Reed Smith drops Barbri in SQE revamp

Reed Smith has refreshed its Professional SQE Programme (PSQE) and partnered with The College of Legal Practice (CoLP) as its sole academic provider for future trainees.

The PSQE is a hybrid learning and work experience programme that all future trainee solicitors at Reed Smith embark on in the year leading up to their training contract start.

It combines the qualifying exam component of becoming a solicitor with firm-tailored experiences and learning to ensure trainees dive right into their two-year qualifying work experience (QWE), formerly known as the training contract.

Previously, the PSQE was a partnership between the firm, Barbri, and CoLP. Barbri covered the SQE exam preparation and CoLP delivered on a series of extra-academic modules.

The modules were designed between CoLP and the knowledge, early careers and learning and development functions of the firm, and are tailored specifically to core practice skills. The modules include dispute resolution, private acquisitions and corporate finance.

CoLP will now deliver the whole study portion of the programme to ensure continuity, covering both the SQE preparation courses and the tailored modules.

Barbri will, however, continue to partner with Reed Smith on delivering SQE preparation for its lawyers looking to dual-qualify.

Dr Giles Proctor, CEO of CoLP said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Reed Smith team over the last three years and very pleased that they have now chosen to partner with us to deliver their whole Professional SQE Programme programme.

“The continuity through the programme will ensure that we can give Reed Smith’s trainees a seamless learning experience and consistent support.”

Alongside their studies, future trainees at Reed Smith also complete two paid internships with the firm – one in business services and one on a consultancy-style project for a firm client. This gives students real-life experience working with clients and a commercial understanding of how the business side of the firm functions.

The programme was launched in 2022 and is currently in its third iteration. Some 26 future trainees are now studying towards their SQE exams, a combination of the firm’s September 2025 and March 2026 trainee solicitor cohorts.

The inaugural cohort of participants are now in their third seat and Reed Smith will see its first cohort of SQE-qualified solicitors in 2025.

“We are delighted to continue working with CoLP on our Professional SQE Programme. This innovative route will equip the next generation of exceptionally talented Reed Smith trainees with the skills, knowledge and practical experience to ‘hit the ground running’ and excel during their QWE and beyond, ” said the firm’s training principal, David Ashmore.

Reed Smith was part of the first wave of firms to adapt their training structures to reflect the changes brought in by the SRA and the SQE.

CoLP is a fully virtual law school based in the UK. It works with other firms such as Browne Jacobson, Capsticks and Clarke Wilmott as well as universities to develop their personalised SQE initiatives.