SQE qualification to Head of Legal and building an in house legal team

In this transparent and inspiring conversation with Rowan Turrall, Partner in our Dispute Resolution team, Emma Lilley shares her remarkable journey from entering law through clearing (after missing the grades for her preferred music degree) to becoming Head of Legal at SDWorks. Her path challenges every conventional assumption about what makes a successful lawyer, demonstrating how determination and authenticity can triumph over traditional expectations.

Emma’s discovery of in-house legal practice during a gap year in Australia became the foundation for her career path. Rather than following the prescribed route through private practice, she forged her own way, ultimately qualifying and building a legal function from scratch. Her practical advice on succeeding as a sole counsel – prioritising relationships before implementing changes – offers valuable insights for anyone establishing legal operations in a business setting.

Perhaps most valuable is Emma’s detailed explanation of how the SQE qualification route has made in-house training more accessible than ever before. For aspiring lawyers and legal leaders alike, she demystifies the process and makes a compelling case for why businesses should offer these opportunities.