SRA Update
Providers of new-style LPC authorised
SRA Update Issue 7 – January 2009
Would-be solicitors will be able to pursue a new type of Legal Practice Course (LPC) from September 2009 with around half of the current training providers, who have been given the green light by the SRA this month. All providers will be validated against the new requirements for courses from 2010, and some will operate their existing courses for the 2009 academic year.
The new arrangements will give providers greater flexibility to respond to the needs of their student market and will enable them to design courses more relevant to firms.
Existing LPC providers can deliver the course
- on a full-time basis over one academic year,
- on a part-time basis over two academic years, or
- as part of an exempting law degree.
The new-style LPC will allow for the course to be studied in two stages—the first covering core practice areas, course skills and professional responsibilities, and conduct. Students will need to complete three vocational electives during the second stage, but can do this once they have started their training contract. This will allow them to
- spread course costs,
- choose electives directly relevant to the type of practice where they work,
- coordinate the study of their electives, making study and work experience complementary, and
- take their electives with different providers, giving greater choice of practice areas to study.
For a list of providers authorised to offer the new LPC, visit www.sra.org.uk/lpc.
Please contact LPC providers directly for details of validated courses.