The decision has been made. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced this week that its planned Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is going ahead.
This means that the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) will cease to exist, but not yet! The SRA plans to implement the SQE from September 2020, at the earliest, a year later than originally scheduled.
What does this mean for you as a Law student, if you wish to qualify as a solicitor?
If you are interested, I suggest you might like to read the following:
Lawyer2B - How will the super exam affect you?
Lawcareers.net - New 'super exam' confirmed for qualifying solicitors confirmed for 2020
There are lots of decisions still to be made about the detail of the changes by the SRA and others, but for the time being it's very much "business as usual"!
Friday 28 April 2017
Wednesday 19 April 2017
What to expect at an Assessment Centre for a Training Contract
If you've received an invitation from a Law firm to attend an assessment centre for a training contract, you may be wondering what to expect on the day.
This varies from firm to firm but is likely to comprise at least some of the following activities:
This varies from firm to firm but is likely to comprise at least some of the following activities:
- Written test - you could be asked to write a short report on a business-related subject. Normally you are not expected to show in-depth legal knowledge.
- Group exercise - as the name suggests you will be given a topic to discuss in a group of 6-8 people. Again, this could be a business or legal problem or it could also be something quite random. There won't be a right answer whatever the problem is. You are being assessed on your ability to work in a team, get your point across, and interact with the other people in your group.
- Case study - you will be given this to read and make notes on what you think the key issues of the case are. You will then be invited to discuss the case with a partner or senior lawyer who will be assessing your understanding.
- Partner interview - you may have already had a first interview with someone from Graduate Recruitment. This interview is an opportunity for a partner to assess you on 3 key points:
- Can you do the job? Do you possess the necessary skills and knowledge?
- Will you do the job? What is your motivation for becoming a lawyer in that firm?
- Will you fit in? The culture can vary quite a lot depending on the firm so the partner will be assessing whether you are the right fit for the team.
Tuesday 11 April 2017
University of Chester Law students visit Lincoln's Inn
On Wednesday 5 April 8 Law students from the University of Chester Law School attended an Information Afternoon and Evening at Lincoln's Inn in London.
The students mingled with undergraduates from other Universities over tea before sitting down to an afternoon of very interesting talks, given by practising barristers from both the employed and the self-employed bar. The aim of the talks was not to try to recruit students to the Inn or the Bar as a profession, but to give them a realistic view of life as a Barrister and the challenges they may meet along the way.
The talks were followed by a drinks reception, giving students the opportunity to network with Members of the Inn, including the speakers, other barristers and judges. Everyone then took their places in the Old Hall for a formal dinner with speeches.
The students all thoroughly enjoyed the event. Scott Hughes, a first year Law student said," I got the chance to discuss some great topics with barristers, judges and also in the presence of Lord Neuberger. It has definitely strengthened my decision and increased my determination to become a barrister."
Diana Murariu, also a first year Law student, commented, " The event was a great experience. Besides being a lot of fun, we got the chance to talk with barristers and judges and they gave us useful advice. It definitely helped me to make a decision regarding my future, and now I know what I need to do next to achieve my goals."
Pictured below are some of the Law students who attended from the University of Chester.
The students mingled with undergraduates from other Universities over tea before sitting down to an afternoon of very interesting talks, given by practising barristers from both the employed and the self-employed bar. The aim of the talks was not to try to recruit students to the Inn or the Bar as a profession, but to give them a realistic view of life as a Barrister and the challenges they may meet along the way.
The talks were followed by a drinks reception, giving students the opportunity to network with Members of the Inn, including the speakers, other barristers and judges. Everyone then took their places in the Old Hall for a formal dinner with speeches.
The students all thoroughly enjoyed the event. Scott Hughes, a first year Law student said," I got the chance to discuss some great topics with barristers, judges and also in the presence of Lord Neuberger. It has definitely strengthened my decision and increased my determination to become a barrister."
Diana Murariu, also a first year Law student, commented, " The event was a great experience. Besides being a lot of fun, we got the chance to talk with barristers and judges and they gave us useful advice. It definitely helped me to make a decision regarding my future, and now I know what I need to do next to achieve my goals."
Pictured below are some of the Law students who attended from the University of Chester.
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