Posted in Latest News on 3 Feb 2013
For many years the route to qualification as a Solicitor was A Levels, degree, LPC (with maybe a GDL thrown in for good measure!) and then a Training Contract. It was a journey full of hurdles not least finance ones!
The then Institute of Legal Executives was created fifty years ago and has provided many with an alternative path to becoming a qualified legal professional and now there is momentum behind the creation of a Higher Legal Apprenticeship that will create a credible and recognised road to qualification for school leavers. It works in accountancy so why not legal? Simon Kite, Partner at Accountancy firm Saffrey Champness, advised:
"the same currently exists for basic Accountancy and Tax qualifications (AAT and ATT exams). In fact, we currently have a Tax Trainee on the Higher Apprenticeship Scheme. So far, I have been impressed by the additional support offered by the training provider. The financial benefit of government funded training is also a very obvious upside. I would encourage law firms to give serious consideration to Higher Apprenticeships in the Legal sector."
Oliver Smith, a first year LPC student at UCLan, was positive but cautious:
"I had a clear ambition to work within Law from an early age so would definitely have considered an Apprenticeship if they had been available but only if the Apprenticeship was able to guarantee the same level of qualification as the LPC."
We think Apprenticeships are a great idea, anything that removes obstacles and drives even more talent into the profession has got to be a positive thing! There is plenty of work to be done but a lot of firms have already launched their own Academies so expect some progress on this soon!
Jonathan Nolan | Director
jon@douglas-scott.co.uk