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Real estate specialist qualifies as solicitor after completing SQE

5 August 2026

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Victoria Cairns-Terry, a real estate specialist at mfg Solicitors in Worcestershire, has qualified as a solicitor after completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while working full-time. This achievement highlights the flexibility of the SQE route, which allows aspiring solicitors to gain practical experience alongside their studies.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

The qualification of a real estate specialist at a regional law firm through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination illustrates the growing adoption of the SQE route within the legal profession. As more firms in Worcestershire and beyond support staff through this pathway, it is becoming a practical alternative to the traditional training contract, particularly for those seeking to build experience while working full time.

For local clients and businesses, the addition of a newly qualified solicitor to mfg Solicitors' real estate team may offer expanded capacity and continuity of service. The firm's support for this route may also appeal to aspiring solicitors considering their options for qualification, reflecting a shift in how legal talent is developed at the regional level.

Press Release

A real estate specialist at Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors has qualified as a solicitor after successfully completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), alongside working full time at the firm.

Victoria Cairns-Terry, who joined the firm in 2024, has completed the two-year qualification and now joins mfg’s Real Estate team as a qualified solicitor.

Based at the firm’s Worcester and Bromsgrove offices, the 26-year-old is working closely with partners Ruth Bourton and Emma Chater, together with senior associate, Lauren Powers.

Victoria Cairns-Terry said: “After completing my law degree in 2021 I was determined to qualify as a solicitor but also continue to work whilst I completed my qualification.

“The SQE route gave me the opportunity to gain invaluable day-to-day experience while studying without following the traditional training contract route. But vitally, it allowed me to concentrate on learning as much as possible about property and building my practical skills.

“It has been a great option, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is keen to take the same route to becoming a qualified solicitor. I am extremely grateful to the firm for being so supportive and accommodating with my study leave. Without their backing it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Ruth Bourton, partner within the Real Estate department, added: “Victoria has shown real commitment and determination throughout the whole process, successfully balancing the demands of working full time and the challenges studying brings.

“Her achievement is thoroughly deserved and reflects the dedication she has shown to both her studies and her work. We are delighted to welcome her as a qualified solicitor within the team.”

The SQE was introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a new route to qualifying. It enables aspiring solicitors to gain invaluable work experience while studying and completing a series of demanding assessments covering both legal knowledge and practical legal skills.

Readers looking for real estate advice can email Victoria at [email protected].