SQE Virtual Conference 2025
2 April 2025
9.30–10.45 SQE three years on: Lessons and reflections
Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training, SRA (Chair)
Ricardo Lé, SQE Independent Reviewer
Tim Maddison, Legal Academic Director, Kaplan Assessments
Zoe Robinson, Managing Director, Kaplan Assessments
Key discussion points:
- Update and review of the assessment’s third year
- Headlines from the SQE Independent Reviewer
- Highlights from the latest SQE annual reports
- Hear about the latest SQE evaluation and our differential outcomes action plan
- Setting the standard for SQE1
10.45–11.15 Break
11.15–12.30 Practical solutions to improve candidate experience
- Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training, SRA (Chair)
- Tim Allen, Head of Candidate Services, Kaplan SQE
- Yiannis Chrysanthou, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Kaplan SQE
- Tim Maddison, Legal Academic Director, Kaplan Assessments
- Jackie Panter, Head of Equality and Quality, Kaplan SQE
Key discussion points:
- Booking process changes
- SQE1 and SQE2 sample questions
- Mitigating circumstances including changes to policy and form
- Common questions from candidates
12.30–13.30 Lunch break
13.30–15.00 QWE: Ensuring a positive candidate experience
- Maxine Warr, Head of Education and Training, SRA (Chair)
- Matt Doyle, Senior Legal Counsel, Vodafone
- Samantha Hope, Emerging Talent Manager, Shoosmiths
- Kieran Ng, Legal Counsel, Vodafone
- Richard Williams, Policy Manager, SRA
Key discussion points:
- Update on qualifying work experience requirements and confirming process
- Insights and best practice from employers and newly qualified solicitors in a law firm and an in-house team