A NEWLY qualified solicitor is urging aspiring legal professionals to apply for a highly regarded training programme when applications open in January 2026.

Jess Bradfield, who works at BRM’s office in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, is hoping to raise awareness of BRM Futures for those considering pursuing a legal career outside of the traditional law degree route.

Jess hadn’t initially planned to become a solicitor herself, graduating with a degree in English Language and Linguistics from University of Leeds in 2019.

She joined BRM in 2020 as a business administration apprentice and a year later was given the opportunity to become a paralegal in the wills and probate team – before setting her sights on the next step of qualifying to become a solicitor.

Through the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) route, Jess was able to work full-time alongside studying – becoming a fully qualified solicitor and passing her Master of Laws (LLB) through the University of Law in December 2025.

She said: “It was very challenging to work full-time alongside studying. My course was online and part-time, so I had to hold myself accountable and motivate myself to study after work and during weekends.

“The SQE itself is very difficult and required a lot of hard work but it is so exciting to qualify. I have a huge sense of accomplishment.

“I didn’t do it completely alone, of course, and had so much support from colleagues. If I had any questions, I asked different departments for assistance and they were always happy to help. Rose Evans, Megan Craig, Matthew Elks, and Stuart Taphouse were all particularly supportive.

“If you’re considering a career in law, BRM Futures is a fantastic opportunity. My own journey shows what’s possible with the right support.”

BRM, which also has an office in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, is inviting registrations of interest in their BRM Futures programme for qualifying work experience or training contract. Applications open in January 2026 for September commencement.

There are three routes open to aspiring legal professionals through BRM Futures:

SQE Qualifying Work Experience or Training Contract: A training programme across two years in up to four different areas of law leading to qualification as a solicitor (subject to passing SQE1 and SQE2 exams).
Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx): A series of qualification levels, exams, and a three-year period of qualifying work experience, leading to qualification as a lawyer.
Paralegal: Offering a broad and varied foundation of practical skills and experience in the legal profession. Subject to annual vacancy limits, paralegals at BRM are eligible to apply for the SQE programme.
For Jess, the SQE route has given her the opportunity to progress in a career she hadn’t previously considered.

She said: “I had thoughts about qualifying as a solicitor but didn’t properly consider it as an option before. My intention to qualify changed when I joined the wills and probate department at BRM.

“Qualifying allows me to progress further in my career and to pursue work in more areas of private client services, such as probate, where I can continue developing my skills and knowledge.

“I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to qualify at BRM and that I received so much support from friends, family, and colleagues.”

Rob Woodhead, executive director at BRM and head of wills and probate, said: “Jess’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and the supportive environment we strive to create at BRM. We’re proud to see talented individuals progress and deliver exceptional service to our clients.

“This is why we launched our BRM Futures programme, to foster the next generation of legal talent. We would invite anyone who would like to know more to register their interest on our website, before applications open in January.”

For further information on BRM Futures or to register interest, visit www.brmlaw.co.uk/brm-futures.