Current training not fit for purpose, claims research paper

The legal education and training review's (LETR's) latest discussion paper claims that the current system of education and training must change if it is to provide lawyers with the necessary skills to practise in the future legal services market. The paper argues that legal education and training should improve its focus on communication, organisational and commercial skills, in addition to core legal knowledge and practical training. It also called for greater emphasis to be placed on reinforcing the importance of high ethical standards.

According to the report, the legal profession over-relies on initial training to guarantee long-term competence. The report also demands more flexible training pathways with clear entry, exit and transfer points across the profession. The paper goes on to argue the case for setting standards independently of qualifications, with core common skills upheld across all legal services, including the implementation of a consistent training framework and common standards for paralegals. These proposed changes, including a greater focus on business and client skills, show that the paper's recommendations are based on the changing nature of the legal services market - best exemplified by the gathering momentum of the alternative business structure model. The LETR's research team will submit its final report in late December 2012.

Professor Julian Webb, head of the LETR's research team, said: "In producing this report, we have drawn on a wide range of evidence, including feedback from the international symposium held in Manchester. The aim of the discussion paper is to inform our stakeholders of our progress, encourage debate, support the ongoing work of the researchers in identifying both the key issues relating to the possible reform of legal education and training in England and Wales, and to map out a range of possible solutions. We are keen to engage with all our stakeholders as we continue our research so that the final report is as fully informed as possible. We would, therefore, ask everyone to let us have their views and contributions by 23 October."