Lester Aldridge is delighted to announce that Isabel De La Haye has qualified as a solicitor in the firm’s Healthcare team. Isabel’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as she is the first individual at Lester Aldridge to qualify through the newly introduced Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route.
Isabel qualified after successfully passing both stages of the SQE and completing the qualifying work experience. The SQE route to qualification is a relatively new pathway for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, designed to ensure that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practice law effectively.
Having joined Lester Aldridge as a legal assistant in February 2021, Isabel began to study for the SQE at the same time. Before commencing her legal training, Isabel was the managing director of a successful regulated care company for 10 years. She passed the challenging SQE1 and SQE2 exams in 2021 and 2022 with outstanding results. Notably, only 53% of candidates in the first round of SQE1 exams passed, making Isabel’s accomplishment truly commendable. In January 2024, she completed her qualifying work experience and was admitted to the roll, qualifying as a solicitor.
Isabel said: “The SQE process has been a test of my legal knowledge and skills as well as my resilience, self-belief and determination. The SQE exams are appropriately challenging but were made easier to navigate after completing a preparation course, having an excellent mentor and the support of an incredible study group. I would like to thank Laura Guntrip and the rest of the Healthcare team, Grant Esterhuizen, and the wider Corporate & Commercial Group for their support and encouragement during my studies. I look forward to furthering my career within the firm.”
Laura Guntrip, Partner & Head of the Healthcare team, said: “We are delighted that Isabel has qualified as a solicitor. She has a strong work ethic and all the skills and attributes needed to excel in her new role. I would like to wish Isabel continued success in her role as a newly qualified solicitor as she continues her legal career with us.”
