Winn Group is pleased to see our first two SQE employees completing the course and becoming fully qualified solicitors.

A significant step in our training and development programme, which was expanded to provide more opportunities for our skilled workforce, Hannah Brain and Megan David have created a bit of Winns history by completing an SQE Apprenticeship that began back in August 2023.

The pair, both based in our Vehicle Damage Team, will now take on differing roles, with Megan becoming a Solicitor/Litigation Supervisor in our Post-Litigation Department, while Hannah will be a Solicitor dealing with high-value and complex vehicle damage claims.

Speaking about this latest career milestone, Megan said: “I do feel incredibly proud of myself and Hannah for being the first people in Winns to qualify via the SQE.

“It does feel like all of the hard work put in over the last two years has paid off.

“I learnt a lot about myself during my SQE; it was at times incredibly difficult. Managing a fully litigated caseload can be demanding by itself, without adding SQE work on top.

“At times over the last couple of years, it has been very stressful, but there were also some very happy experiences, such as getting my SQE 1 and SQE 2 results, as well as gaining confidence and skills as a lawyer.

“Thankfully, I have been part of an incredible team that supported me with my files when needed when I was out of the office.

“My supervisor, Simone Hepppell-Hardy was also a great help during this time, so special thanks to team SHH!

“I am looking at my career positively. I am grateful to have been promoted as a litigation supervisor and am excited to start a new role, with the learning and experiences that will go along with it.”

Speaking of this significant career marker, Hannah was delighted to achieve it, pointing to a bright future within our dispute resolution service.

She said: “It feels fantastic to have achieved this milestone. Becoming a fully qualified solicitor is a major step in my career, and I’m excited to take on the responsibilities and opportunities that come with it.

“It was certainly difficult balancing the SQE with a full-time workload. Studying part-time while working four days a week required discipline and a lot of commitment.

“There were many periods where the workload felt intense, especially around assessment windows.

“Balancing part-time SQE study with a full-time role strengthened my discipline and time management. It gave me confidence in my ability to handle demanding workloads. It also deepened my legal knowledge, which helped me develop as a solicitor.

“I’m genuinely optimistic about my future career. The firm has provided a strong platform to develop my skills and confidence in dispute resolution.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute, taking on new challenges, and developing my expertise within my team.”

Rebecca Colby, Associate Director and Head of Vehicle Damage (Post Litigation), said: “Congratulations to Megan and Hannah on passing their SQE and qualifying as solicitors.

“They have worked so hard over the last two years to ensure they have sufficient knowledge and skill to meet the requirements of a day one standard solicitor. They are amongst the first group of solicitors to qualify through the SQE not only Winn Solicitors but the country!

“The SQE is a difficult and challenging qualification, but I never doubted that both of them would pass with flying colours. They should both be so proud of their achievements, and I am thrilled that they have both decided to accept roles as solicitors in the team.

“I cannot wait to see what they achieve with the firm in the future, and I am so proud of their success - well done!”

If you’re considering your next career step, check out our vacancies page and apply for a role at Winn Group today!