Clementine Raimbaud

Motivation for dual qualification in the UAE

Clementine Raimbaud, a French lawyer thriving in Dubai's dynamic legal scene, recognised a strategic opportunity and chance to grow her career. The UAE's legal sector has rapidly evolved into a global hub, and Clementine knew she needed to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. 

"I was drawn to qualifying as an English solicitor, to complement my existing qualifications, due to the reputable legal system and the global recognition of English law and the solicitor qualification," explains Clementine. "Becoming qualified would not only enhance my legal knowledge and skills but also open up a broader range of career opportunities both domestically and internationally.” 

Balancing work and the SQE 

Clementine's SQE journey involved rigorous preparation and dedication. Balancing the demands of a full-time legal career with the SQE exams required meticulous time management and unwavering dedication. "I carried on working full time while undertaking the preparation course and exam sitting and therefore needed a lot of discipline in order to succeed." 

Choosing BARBRI for SQE preparation 

Clementine opted for BARBRI's part-time 20-week course for SQE1 and the full-time 10-week course for SQE2, which allowed her to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. "I found time to study each module and engage in practice questions to strengthen my understanding for three to four hours a day after work, with one day off study per week to remain sane and sound." 

Support systems and strategic planning

Beyond BARBRI’s guidance, Clementine also acknowledges the unwavering support system that kept her going. "Special shoutout to my husband," she says. "I was very lucky to have an amazing support system around me composed of friends and family, which allowed me to devote myself fully to my study outside of work and to succeed and qualify as a solicitor in 18 months. I passed both parts of the SQE exams on the first attempt with marks above average - SQE1: 67% and 74% & SQE2: 86%.” 

Clementine chose BARBRI for its reputation as a leading provider of legal education and exam preparation. "I had the chance to attend a few in-person introduction sessions at the DIFC Academy, which allowed me to learn more about the different prep courses. The BARBRI SQE course stood out for its comprehensive study materials and adaptive learning platform. The personalised study plan tailored to my strengths and weaknesses was particularly commendable, as it allowed me to focus my efforts efficiently and effectively." 

Clementine's strategic thinking extended beyond her studies. "I firmly believed this qualification would be beneficial for both me and my firm," she explains. "So, I researched and presented a compelling proposal to the HR department, highlighting the benefits of sponsoring my SQE journey." By emphasising her commitment to professional development and demonstrating how the qualification aligned with the firm's strategic objectives, Clementine secured sponsorship for both SQE prep courses and exams. Although all the costs combined exceeded her allocated yearly training budget, these were approved in exchange for her signing a return of service agreement, allowing her to considerably save on education. 

Career impact of dual qualification  

Clementine's hard work and strategic approach paid off - not only did she pass both SQE exams on the first attempt with flying colours, but she also secured a promotion to a Legal Counsel role upon admission. 

"Being qualified as an English solicitor has significantly bolstered my career prospects," maintains Clementine. "It's expanded the range of legal matters I can handle and enhanced my credibility in both domestic and international contexts. Additionally, this qualification has positioned me as a valuable asset within my firm, enabling me to contribute to a wider array of projects and initiatives. Overall, it has been instrumental in advancing my legal career to new heights.” 

Feeling inspired by Clementine's story? If you're an internationally qualified lawyer in the UAE seeking dual qualification, visit our website or book a call with Chiugo Umezuruike to learn more and take the next step in your legal career. 

To find out more about dual qualification book a call with Chiugo Umezuruike, or enrol on our Ebar of SQE Prep courses.