08 Jun New training model poses another challenge for legal sector
See coverage of this in The Guardian Law: click to view Guardian website
Following the announcement by the SRA on the outcome of last year’s Work Based Learning pilot scheme for trainee solicitors, one of the organisations involved has said the sector will face a tough learning curve to implement the new rules.
LawNet, the collaborative network for independents, joined together with The Oxford Institute of Legal Practice (OXILP) to run a pilot of the Work Based Learning scheme for 8 trainee solicitors within LawNet member firms, typically mid-size independents.
This pilot was designed for small to medium sized firms and under the scheme OXILP helped trainees prepare a development plan, review their progress against SRA outcomes and provide a final assessment while LawNet supported the training programme on behalf of firms, including bespoke training sessions to supplement the trainees’ learning experience and support the learning outcomes.
This differed from the other pilots – which were for Magic Circle firms and for paralegals – where trainees were supported and assessed either wholly in-house by their employers, or externally by Nottingham Law School.
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, director of services at LawNet, said: “This was a very interesting exercise and a successful one for us, although inevitably there were varying experiences across the trainees and the firms. If Work Based Learning is to go ahead, firms have the prospect of managing the introduction of yet another significant internal change.
“Fortunately, we are very well placed to support our firms in implementing the new regime, as we’ve already created the infrastructure and proved it in the market through this pilot, so that will make things easier for our members, but it’s likely to be a tough learning curve for others without that infrastructure, even though the long term gain may be better quality.”
Julie Brannan, Director of OXILP said: “Despite the inevitable challenge of the new, it is clear from the LawNet/OXILP pilot that Work Based Learning has the potential to provide real training gains for firms who implement a successful programme.”
The OXILP/LawNet pilot scheme was undertaken with member firms Parrott & Coales LLP, Aylesbury; IBB, Uxbridge; Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors LLP, Bournemouth and Lamb Brooks, Basingstoke.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise. Each firm has an exclusive geographical operating area to enable collaboration.
The combined income of the 68 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, business development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Blog: http://thelawnetblog.wordpress.com/