What you learn
updated on 10 March 2025
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Most LPC programmes are delivered in two stages. Stage one is the compulsory study of core areas of law and practice, while stage two is comprised of three vocational electives.
Stage one
The first stage of the LPC provides an introduction to professional practice, and covers the core practice areas of business law and practice, dispute resolution, including criminal litigation and real estate knowledge.
Stage two
Students are required to study three electives from a range of subjects in the areas of private client (working for individuals) and corporate client (working for companies). These options are usually studied in the final term of the course. While many courses try to avoid over-specialisation at an early stage, the ability to provide as broad a base as possible from which to enter a training contract is important. Some firms will stipulate which options their future trainees should take. These specific options might include commercial law and practice, employment, family, IP, M&A, and personal injury and clinical negligence.
Skills
The skills element usually comprises about 25% of the course and includes legal research, writing and drafting, analysis, critical judgement, evaluation, problem-solving, all of which will be developed throughout stages one and two. These skills are assessed via a range of written and oral skills assessments.
Teaching methods for the LPC vary from institution to institution and from subject to subject. Most providers use a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials as the basis of the course.
Assessment of the LPC is the responsibility of the teaching institutions. It’ll undoubtedly comprise a mixture of written exams, course work and the assessment of skills.
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