Cripps FAQs

Find all the frequently aske questions about Cripps below!

What is your approach to the SQE?

In 2021, the SRA introduced the SQE route to qualification as a solicitor and over time this will replace the LPC route to qualification. Future trainees joining our 2026 cohort, and beyond, will follow our SQE programme delivered in conjunction with BPP University.

What does the SQE programme involve?

Unless you have already passed the SQE, successful candidates will join BPP’s SQE preparation courses in readiness to sit SQE1 in January and SQE2 in April or July. These courses comprise a 15 week SQE1 preparation course and an SQE2 Coaching course which takes about 6 weeks.

You will also attend BPP’s new Essentials for Practice Course. This is a 15 week course which builds upon and develops the specialist knowledge and skills needed beyond the basic SQE curriculum. Successful completion of this course leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice, and combined with the earlier SQE1 preparation course leads to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

During the Essentials for Practice course you will study four knowledge streams such as Advanced Commercial Property and Commercial Dispute Resolution. You will also study a module called Business in Law. This module is designed to develop the wider knowledge and skills you need to be a successful lawyer, as well as your understanding of the role of technology in the delivery of legal services.

What is the firm's resit policy for candidates who do not pass the SQE first time?

We recognise receiving exam results is a challenging time, particularly those related to the SQE exams. The Firm may use its discretion to support one resit of SQE1 and/or SQE2.

Where a resit is agreed, the firm will pay the cost of the resit and will consider a deferral of the training contract start date. It is important to note that a deferral to the following year cannot be guaranteed.

Our training contract offers will continue to be conditional on a first time pass on the SQE, but this is subject to the resit policy above.

Do I need to have studied law?

Not at all! We welcome applications from both law and non-law students and graduates. Our cohorts join us with a variety of experience, having studied a range of different subjects. If you have not studied law, and are made a training contract offer, we will ask you to study the PDGL (the course replacing the GDL) before beginning your SQE studies. This will allow you to develop your legal knowledge and key professional capabilities as well providing you with important foundational elements for your SQE1 assessment.

Are you still running an LPC programme?

We no longer offer sponsorship for candidates who wish to study the LPC. However, if you have already completed and passed the LPC, please feel free to apply in this recruitment round.

We cannot reimburse the cost of your LPC should we offer you a training contract.

Can I start with Cripps earlier, if I have completed my studies already?

We run our recruitment two years in advance, so our earlier intakes are usually already full. However, should there become spaces available for candidates to join an earlier cohort, we will consider this on a case-by-case basis.

How many apprenticeships do you offer?

We take on between 4-6 legal apprentices each year depending on business needs.

Do you accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK?

We can only accept applications from individuals who have already secured the necessary permissions to work in the UK.

Apply now!