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Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

Published:
30 Aug 2023
News
Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

Working in the UK is an exciting prospect for many lawyers but can seem daunting. Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is now easier than ever, with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) presenting an alternative to the often-restrictive Legal Practice Course route. Furthermore, Australia is now on the list of countries where qualified lawyers can apply for an exemption for the SQE2.

We joined Alice Payne, Head of Business Development and Marketing at The College of Legal Practice, to find out how the SQE works and how The College of Legal Practice can help you prepare to pass the SQE.

Unlike the previous Legal Practice Course route, the SQE isn’t dependent on whether you can secure a training contract. This requirement previously meant your career was often not in your own hands,” Alice explains.

The College of Legal Practice is an accredited postgraduate law school based in the UK committed to increasing access to the solicitor profession in England and Wales. This includes preparation for the SQE, which can have a pass rate as low as 51 per cent. The SQE also replaces the foreign qualified lawyers transfer scheme. 

 

What is the SQE? 

Defined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), SQE is comprised of four components: 

  • An undergraduate degree or equivalent
  • Two SQE exams
      - SQE1
      - SQE2
  • Two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) 
  • Suitability Requirements 

The SQE is one set of centralised exams set by the SRA, collaborating with Kaplan to run the exams,” Alice says. “You can undertake most of the assessments anywhere in the world, except for the oral assessments in SQE2, which must currently be completed in the UK.” 

Fees are payable to Kaplan for the exam itself, and to The College of Legal Practice for your preparation training. 

SQE1 tests your legal knowledge of the law of England and Wales. Legal knowledge is tested across 13 practice areas, via multiple choice questions. This involves 10 hours of examination split over 2 days. Each day involves 2 exams that are 2.5 hours long. 

SQE2 tests written and oral legal skills, alongside legal knowledge. “These exams look at skills you’ve got to become a Day One solicitor,” Alice explains. 

 

What subjects are in the SQE? 

SQE1 covers 13 different practice areas, which are all mixed up in the exam. The exams require you to learn and understand different legal principles across all different areas at the same time. All exams are closed book,” Alice says. 

SQE2 tests you in a skill in the context of five of these practice areas. For example, you might do a client interview in the context of business law.” 

Find out more about the SQE. 

 

Does my qualifying work experience (QWE) count? 

This depends on whether your work experience exposes you to developing some of the competencies that the SRA has defined to become a solicitor.

It’s very broadly defined. For example, if you do work experience advising clients in a law clinic, it’s likely this counts. Any kind of legal work experience, paid or not, could be QWE. Work experience does not need to come from one organisation. It can be in up to four organisations,” Alice says.

You don’t need to start your qualifying work experience before you do your SQE, but you could have completed all your qualifying work experience before you take the SQE. Or you could take SQE1 then do your qualifying work experience then do your SQE2. It’s incredibly flexible. You can take it anywhere in the world.” 

To get your QWE confirmed, you need someone with direct knowledge of your work who is also a solicitor or compliance officer registered with the SRA. If your supervisor isn’t a solicitor, you can ask a solicitor from inside or outside your organisation to confirm your work, with sufficient evidence and examples provided by yourself and your supervisor. 

Visit the College's QWE Hub for more details. 

 

What if I’m a foreign registered / qualified lawyer? 

If you are a qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction, this means you don’t need to complete your two-years qualifying work experience,” Alice explains. “You only need to complete SQE1 and SQE2.” 

And if you are a qualified solicitor or barrister in Australia or New Zealand, you can apply for an individual exemption from SQE2, as long as you have at least two-years' legal work experience gained either as part of your qualification or after it (or a combination of these). 

Read about the SRA's guidance on exemptions. 

 

What does SQE1 assessment involve? 

SQE1 involves 360 multiple choice questions, with c. 100 seconds to answer each question.  

SQE1 is run by Kaplan every six months in January and July. 

Often all answers are plausible in each multiple-choice question,” Alice shares. “You’re being assessed on the best possible answer. It focuses on legal principles, so you don’t require statutory references. It is a closed book exam. We provide a manual with all the legal knowledge you need plus 2000+ practice questions.” 

 

What does The College of Legal Practice online SQE1 Prep Course involve? 

While you don’t need to undertake a prep course to undertake SQE1 or SQE2, it is highly recommended as SQE1 in particular has a pass rate of 51%, and test attempts are limited to three. 

The College of Legal Practice provides a series of full time and part time courses all fully online, so you can study from anywhere across the world. A part time course is highly recommended if you work full time as it is an intensive but flexible course. It is quite different to completing an undergraduate degree, for SQE1 you can study whenever you like across the week as long as you hit your weekly deadlines, though you must attend live supervision periods.  

It’s fully virtual. You have ‘Town Halls’ with your module leader to learn how to answer assessments and prepare for multiple choice questions. You also have a personal tutor and supervisor whom you’ll meet with regularly,” Alice says. 

If the law of England and Wales is new to you and you aren’t already a qualified lawyer, you can take the College's Graduate Diploma in Law full time (20 weeks) or part time (40 weeks) conversion course that give you the foundations of a UK undergraduate law degree that you need to know prior to preparing for SQE1. We can talk through options with you, as it really depends on your background and circumstances.” 

 

What does the College of Legal Practice SQE2 Prep Course involve? 

You must pass SQE1 to start SQE2,” Alice advises. “It’s also a closed book exam. Written assessments are online. You’ll be asked to draft an email to a client, for example. Oral assessments are in person. You might be asked to go into a room and interview a client, then write up your interview notes.” 

SQE2 runs more frequently than SQE1. SQE2 runs every three months, while SQE1 runs every six months.  

Our students report that College of Legal Practice’s assessments were very similar to SQE1 and SQE2 exams,” Alice says. 

The College has an increasing number of international students due to the flexibility of the courses and focus on achieving weekly goals. International students’ fees are also the same as those for students based in the UK. There are some considerations for international students, particularly timezones and the limited opportunities to take SQE1 locally.  

 

What should I consider when pursuing the SQE route? 

  • What is my current level of knowledge of the law in England and Wales
  • How much time do you really have to study?  
  • How will you fund the SQE training and the exams?  
  • When and where are the assessments?  
  • What study leave do I need?  
  • Does my QWE contribute to the career I want? 

Alice also suggests that you speak to your employer about committing to confirming your QWE early on in your work there, so you know that they are happy to sign it off at the end.  

 

Why choose the College of Legal Practice to study the SQE? 

According to Alice, 80% of their students would recommend the College of Legal Practice for SQE1 prep, while 85% were satisfied with the College’s personal supervision model, which is unique amongst training providers.  

You also receive student benefits including counselling support and wellbeing. Our course is completely virtual, flexible and competitively priced.”  

 

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While completing her law degree and Practical Legal Training with the College of Law, Helena Hanna also kept up with her interests outside of studies. Learn more about Helena and her law degree experience.

How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

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How to merge your love of music with your legal career: Chelsea's story

Learn how Chelsea Donoghue merged her lot of arts and law: How she managed her study while on world tours, what she loves most about her work at Sanicki Lawyers, and what’s next.

Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

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Graduates and prize winners recognised in June ceremony

Graduates and prize winners celebrated their achievements, received their awards and honours remotely due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

How AI is being used in Family Law

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How AI is being used in Family Law

To understand where legal AI use cases are showing up within family law, the College spoke with two highly experienced practitioners who have incorporated AI into their legal practice in different ways. Fiona Kirkman, principal at Kirkman Family Law, embraced ChatGPT early on in her practice, while Jenna Downy, solicitor at Family Law Matters, helped train LawY, an AI legal research assistant.

How to exit your job gracefully in law

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How to exit your job gracefully in law

For the 1 in 4 Australian lawyers considering leaving their job, the current job market is tipped in their favour. However, Australia’s legal profession is tight-knit and relatively small, so reputation matters. If you are leaving your role for fresh challenges, here are our top tips on how to exit your job gracefully in law, from the College of Law’s National Careers Advisors Ruth Beran and Susan Pincus.

Juggling full-time work, parenting and PLT possible through the College of Law, says Kerala Drew

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Juggling full-time work, parenting and PLT possible through the College of Law, says Kerala Drew

Kerala Drew found the path to qualifying as an Australian lawyer fraught with roadblocks. Learn how she landed her first job in law, what set her College of Law PLT experience apart from prior study, and what advice she might have for lawyers looking to join the Australian legal profession.

When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story

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When commercial acumen meets common courtesy: Ankurpreet’s LPMC story

Ankurpreet Singh was thrust into a costly commercial conflict, which made him determine to pursue a legal career. To make his dream a reality, he enrolled in the College of Law’s LPMC – where he bolstered his business competence and confidence.

How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

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How to get into Wills & Estates with Rick Christie

Rick Christie, owner of ChristieLaw and committee member of STEP NSW, had always been attracted to the personal side of wills and estates. Insights spoke to Rick about how he came to specialise in wills and estates, what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into the area, and what role industry organisation STEP can play for lawyers keen to become specialists.

New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

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New Resolution Institute and The College of Law partnership to maximise skills and experience

Resolution Institute and The College of Law are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at establishing a symbiotic cooperation which will maximise the resources of both organisations through mutual collaboration and the sharing of expertise and efforts in education and training.

Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

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Navigating Age Discrimination In The Law With Tile Imo

Bias and age-based discrimination remains an issue in the workforce, despite legal protections. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of age bias claims with Tilé Imo, Associate Director of Caxton Legal Centre. We explore the evolving legal landscape, effective strategies for litigating age discrimination cases, and the emerging trends that lawyers need to be aware of to best serve their clients.

Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

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Major changes ahead with the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 in progress

Major changes are coming that will impact the family law system and the way practitioners operate in Australia. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 is currently under debate in parliament and after its third reading, it is now under review with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The College of Law will provide legal training support when the Family Law Amendment Bill commences, but in the meantime, we spoke with College of Law adjunct lecturer Kathryn Kearley to find out about the most important changes.  

Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

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Graduates, prize winners honoured at the Winter 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony

The College of Law recognised over 200 graduates of its Postgraduate Specialisation Programs at the 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony on 1 August. These awards included the Master of Laws (Applied Law), Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Graduate Diplomas of Applied Law and Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP).

How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

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How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

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The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

We talk to the College of Law’s Adrian Deans, Academic Policy & Quality, James Crittenden, Head of Short Courses and CPD, and Lewis Patrick, Chief Academic Officer, about some of the pragmatic impacts of the Queen’s passing on the law and Australian legal profession.

3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

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3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

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Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

Starting a business is never easy. What step should you take first? How do you negotiate the ins and outs of your legal requirements if you’re not a lawyer? Even for a seasoned lawyer these steps are complicated…And what if you also face unique cultural considerations and complexities?

Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

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Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.

5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

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5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

The law is a complex field heavily reliant on knowledge, interpretation and advice. This makes for a profession that can have far reaching consequences and, as a result, lawyers are held to high standards. Athol Opas presents annual ethics updates to firms to keep them abreast of recent cases of misconduct and/or common ethical breaches. We spoke to Athol to find out about the most common ethical breaches lawyers should be mindful of and to gain his top tips on complying within ethical obligations. 

What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

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What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

The College of Law investigates which legal practice areas are most at risk of negligence claims and why. We spoke to Lawcover’s Legal Risk Manager Glenda Carry about the practice areas most affected by negligence claims, what behaviours can lead to adverse claims by clients, and what risk mitigation strategies law practices can put in place.

Top 10 Most Influential Court Cases of the Last 40 Years

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Top 10 Most Influential Court Cases of the Last 40 Years

To mark our 40th anniversary, The College of Law recently ran a survey asking for your view on the top 10 most influential High Court of Australia cases over the last 40 years. The responses you provided us showcased a range of landmark cases, spanning from Indigenous land rights, to clashes between territory and Commonwealth, to the David-vs-Goliath legal struggles of refugees.

What are the legal implications of the Voice?

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What are the legal implications of the Voice?

Throughout the 2023 referendum, some have expressed uncertainty over the legal impact and implications of the Voice. We spoke to Associate Professors Elisa Arcioni and Andrew Edgar of the University of Sydney Law School to gain clarity over how the Voice came about, what it can (and can’t) do, and what legal practitioners need to know about the Voice.

How John Poulsen is redefining success for lawyers

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How John Poulsen is redefining success for lawyers

John Poulsen, founder of People, Passion and Performance, was once a top solicitor and leader of law firms. Starting his career in 1984 and now nearly 40 years later, he left behind the luxury and stress. Now, he's happier than ever. We spoke with John about his journey and his mission to redefine success.

Understanding Priority Notices: Property Law Practice Update

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Understanding Priority Notices: Property Law Practice Update

Priority Notices are a relatively new feature in Real Property that property lawyers need to work with, and as such, they are not always well understood. Here to demystify how Priority Notices work, how they came about, and when and how to use them is property lawyer Greg Stilianou.

Postgraduate Specialisation Programs - Celebrating the success of our spring graduates

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Postgraduate Specialisation Programs - Celebrating the success of our spring graduates

We congratulate and celebrate the success of the most recent graduates of our Postgraduate Specialisation Programs. These achievements demonstrate the culmination of hard work, diligence and commitment to mastery of their chosen area of law.

5 steps to stand out as a lawyer: Get ahead of the legal competition

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5 steps to stand out as a lawyer: Get ahead of the legal competition

How do you stand out in Australia's competitive legal market, filled with talented solicitors? We spoke with Shona Rowan, a people and culture consultant, high-performance coach, and bestselling author, about what it takes to rise above the rest. Here, she shares five expert steps to help lawyers reach their full professional potential.

5 tips on taking your legal career overseas and to new heights!

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5 tips on taking your legal career overseas and to new heights!

Do you fantasise about foreign cities, buzzing cultures and access to connected world hubs? As a lawyer you are well placed to explore these very things and expand your career lens. Helen Tung, barrister, senior counsel and teaching fellow at the College of Law, has led an impressive legal career working across the UK, UAE, America, Australia and Japan. We asked Helen for her advice to lawyers wanting to take their legal careers to the world stage.

Top 10 Most Expensive Legal Settlements in History

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Top 10 Most Expensive Legal Settlements in History

Billion-dollar companies who fall foul of the law, or billionaires who fall foul of a spouse, can result in eye-watering legal settlements. In the case of class actions, financial payouts can be a major way to provide recompense and right wrongs. Here is our top 10 list of the most expensive settlements in history… costly class actions, pharmaceutical payouts and extravagant divorces.

The Road to Becoming a Company Secretary

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The Road to Becoming a Company Secretary

There is no shortage of reasons to hire a law graduate for a job that isn't solely legally focussed. Among the new lawyers graduating from law school every year are some of our generation’s best, brightest and most hard-working prospective employees and it’s not just law firms that are sitting up and taking notice.

Meet Alexandra Brand, Senior Associate and Legal Business Graduate

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Meet Alexandra Brand, Senior Associate and Legal Business Graduate

Learn why senior associate Alexandra Brand studied legal business subjects to improve her knowledge of marketing, pricing, strategy, and client service.

5 must-have CPD courses for sole practitioners

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5 must-have CPD courses for sole practitioners

Running your own law firm isn’t for the faint-hearted. Yes, you’re your own boss. But with great power comes great responsibility. And that means wearing a lot of hats.  

Let’s unpack 5 of the most important skills – and corresponding on-demand CPD courses – that sole practitioners can’t do without.

 

Struggling to execute your business strategy? This could be why

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Struggling to execute your business strategy? This could be why

Kristen Podagiel, Business Strategy Teaching Fellow, talks about how you can ensure your firm execute the business strategy as intended. 

Meet Bendigo Legal Practice Manager Michelle McCarthy, and Master of Legal Business Student

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Meet Bendigo Legal Practice Manager Michelle McCarthy, and Master of Legal Business Student

Learn why legal practice manager Michelle McCarthy chose The College’s legal business subjects to improve her firm’s operations and client services

Creating a Strategic Plan For Your Law Firm

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Creating a Strategic Plan For Your Law Firm

Sue-Ella Prodonovich of Prodonovich Advisory shares her tips for creating a solid business strategy for your law firm. 

How lawyer Brid Heffernan went from Irish recession to a career in legal transformation

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How lawyer Brid Heffernan went from Irish recession to a career in legal transformation

Brid Heffernan has grown through legal recruitment, litigation ops and support, and legaltech - the quintessential business of law. We caught up with Brid to trace her unlikely and impressive trajectory and experience with The College of Law.

Emerging issues in business law: cyber, data and crime

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Emerging issues in business law: cyber, data and crime

Cambridge Analytica’s use of Facebook user data – and how it may have influenced the last American election – raised once again the issue of how well our data is protected online.

More like a mentorship than a degree" – Max Williams, de Groots Wills and Estates Lawyers

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More like a mentorship than a degree" – Max Williams, de Groots Wills and Estates Lawyers

Max recounts his path to discovering his passion in Wills and Estates – and how the College of Law helped him along the way.

Thriving through an LLM and Specialist Accreditation: Meet Carmel Morrison

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Thriving through an LLM and Specialist Accreditation: Meet Carmel Morrison

Learn how Carmel Morrison returned to study with an LLM, and Specialist Accreditation.

Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

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Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is now easier than ever, with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) presenting an alternative to the often-restrictive Legal Practice Course route. Furthermore, Australia is now on the list of countries where qualified lawyers can apply for an exemption for the SQE2. Alice Payne, Head of Business Development and Marketing at The College of Legal Practice explains how.

Top 5 Legal Practice Management Trends for 2023

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Top 5 Legal Practice Management Trends for 2023

Cybersecurity, major data breaches and privacy reform are all on the table as we size up 2023.  For those who manage law firms, tightening security is top of the agenda. Here at the College of Law we have assessed the top legal practice management trends for 2023.   

Where Law Can Take You – Working Abroad for Legal Practitioners

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Where Law Can Take You – Working Abroad for Legal Practitioners

For many lawyers, the idea of working overseas can seem like a daunting prospect. A career in law can often be limited by the regions in which your qualification allows you to practice, while at a glance many foreign economies can seem more precarious than Australia for a lawyer. However, for those brave and enterprising enough, the fruits of overseas legal opportunities can be bountiful.

What are the essential traits that make a good mediator? The answer might surprise you

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What are the essential traits that make a good mediator? The answer might surprise you

While lawyers possess an impressive arsenal of skills those required in mediation aren’t necessarily what you think. We spoke to Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Alternative Dispute Resolution Academic of the Year, the College of Law’s Linda Kochanski, on what makes for a great mediator, the skills you need, and personalities that fit - and, at times, don’t naturally fit - mediation. 

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