Law Society to widen access to the legal profession through part-time study and financial assistance

Mr Justice Michael Peart

The measures are among 30 recommendations made by an expert group chaired by Mr Justice Michael Peart of the Court of Appeal, whose report was published by the Law Society today.

The judge considered ways in which the Law Society could increase access to the legal profession, support innovation in legal education, and streamline the current legal training model.

Ken Murphy, director-general of the Law Society, said: “Training solicitors to meet any and all challenges they will face in their careers is some of the most important work the Law Society does. The Law Society’s education model is deeply rooted in the public interest and focussed on the future.

“Today’s client is more knowledgeable and tech-savvy than ever before. The Law Society’s vision is to train 21st century solicitors who will meet and exceed the exacting requirements of their clients and their firms.”

Almost 100 solicitors have qualified through the Access programme, which pays fees and maintenance from students from a background of socio-economic disadvantage, and more funding will now be provided to make more spaces available.

The introduction of a part-time training course would, the report notes, “mirror the King’s Inns initiatives in this area, whereby there is a part-time option for the Barrister-at-Law Degree designed to facilitate access for those with existing employment commitments”.

The Law Society will also integrate modern skills, ability and learning dispositions into the training course, and create a new Centre for Teaching, Development and Innovation.

It has also accepted a recommendation that the PPC1 and PPC2 should be brought together into a single streamlined course.

Mr Murphy said: “Implementing the Peart Commission recommendations will have several benefits. It will further increase access to the profession for trainees across diverse educational, professional and socio-economic backgrounds and ensure the Law Society maintains its prominent position as an innovative professional legal educator globally.

“The Society is already leading the way in its progressive, award-winning use of technology in education. We are committed to expanding our focus on innovation beyond technology and into all aspects of legal education and practice.”