what is legal practice course

by Dr. Sean Schuppe PhD 10 min read

Before September 2021, the Legal Practice Course

was one of the main ways to qualify as a solicitor. Also known as a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, these courses have a vocational focus, creating a link between academic study and legal work.

Full Answer

What is Legal Practice Course (LPC)?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is the final vocational stage of training to become a qualified solicitor. You study the LPC after successful completion of a qualifying law degree, or other recognised qualifications. With our LPC law course you have the choice to study full-time, part-time or accelerated to best suit your personal needs.

What is a postgraduate course in legal practice?

The LPC is a vocational postgraduate course which must be completed as part of your training to become a solicitor. It is the next stage of study following completion of either: A qualifying LLB law degree; or; A non-law degree and a law conversion course …

What is the Legal Practice Course for solicitors?

Once you’ve finished studying the foundations of legal knowledge, during your law degree or GDL, you must complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC). The LPC is part of the vocational foundation of becoming a solicitor and will develop your practical skills. SRA LPC information pack . SRA list of LPC course providers

What are the eligibility requirements for the Legal Practice Course?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) - A Guide. Before September 2021, the Legal Practice Course was one of the main ways to qualify as a solicitor. Also known as a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, these courses have a vocational focus, creating a link between academic study and legal work. Our overview of the LPC covers the essentials, such as entry requirements, …

What does the legal practice course involve?

The LPC is focused on the practical skills that lawyers use day to day. The emphasis is on workshops, continuous assessment, independent research and group discussions. It also allows you a certain amount of specialisation through a range of optional subjects.Jan 5, 2022

Is the legal practice course a masters?

Though the LPC is a postgraduate course, it is not classed as a Masters qualification. It's also a vocational course, preparing you for practice as a solicitor. Completion of this course will enable you to progress to the final stage of solicitor training: the training contract.

How long does the legal practice course take?

Studying an LPC full-time generally takes ten months, including two teaching terms. If you opt to study part-time, the course will take two years.

How long is the legal practice course UK?

one yearFull-time courses usually take one year to complete, while part-time courses take up to two years. The electives can be taken over a longer period, either studied together or separately. Stage one must be studied with one course provider, but stage two may be studied with more than one authorised provider.

How much do solicitors earn in the UK?

Trainee solicitors elsewhere in the UK tend to earn up to £39,375. Once you qualify, London-based solicitors earn up to £100,000 (sometimes more depending on the firm). Meanwhile, those based outside of the capital earn up to £54,000. Working in London, criminal solicitors earn on average approximately £52,500.

Do law firms pay for LPC?

GDL and LPC fees are paid on the training contract with part-time study programme.Sep 4, 2019

Is being a solicitor worth it?

The role of a solicitor is highly valued and respected in the UK, and it can also be highly rewarding by working to achieve a successful outcome for your client or community. Excellent career progression.Oct 6, 2019

Does the legal practice course expire?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) does not expire. Realistically though, after 10 years, employers may not feel that it's recent enough to take that person on for training to become a solicitor, depending on what work they're currently doing.

How do I fund my LPC?

The most common way of law students getting LPC funding is through gaining a training contract with a law firm that sponsors their further study. Generally, law firms will not only pay your LPC costs, but also provide you with a maintenance grant or loan to help you with your living costs while you study.

Can you become a solicitor with BPTC?

If you are a BPTC or other bar course graduate and struggle to find a pupillage, you may instead choose to switch to the SQE and become a solicitor first.

Is LPC difficult?

It is fair to say that the LPC is a very intensive course that requires you to work consistently and keep on top of the work. The best approach is to treat the LPC like a nine 'til six job. That means setting up your work place in the library each day, then coming back to it between classes.Aug 11, 2016

Can you become a solicitor without LPC?

The SQE has been introduced to replace the LPC/training contract route to becoming a solicitor. Instead of completing the LPC and a training contract after a law degree/conversion, students will have to pass the SQE and complete two years of qualifying work experience.

What is LPC in law school?

The LPC is part of the vocational foundation of becoming a solicitor and will develop your practical skills. SRA LPC information pack.

How to become a lawyer?

While studying, we recommend you: 1 apply to firms for a period of recognised training if you do not already have one 2 check for job and training advertisements on The Lawyer Portal, the Law Society Gazette and elsewhere 3 talk to members of the profession to understand what it’s like to be a lawyer

How long does it take to get an LPC?

Studying an LPC full-time generally takes ten months, including two teaching terms. If you opt to study part-time, the course will take two years. The big national providers – BPP University and the University of Law – have the option of an accelerated LPC for candidates sponsored by certain law firms.

What are the skills required for LPC?

Some of the skills you’ll learn in the first part of the LPC could include: 1 Advocacy 2 Drafting 3 Interviewing and advising 4 Legal research 5 Professional conduct

How long does it take to complete LPC?

However, most students opt to take stage two immediately after completing stage one, so full-time students usually complete the LPC in the space of one academic year , before starting their training contract.

How long is a LPC?

It is a one-year, full-time (or two-year, part-time) course providing a bridge between academic study and training in a law firm. It is both knowledge and skills-based, and it aims to ensure that you can do the work of a trainee solicitor under proper supervision when you begin your training contract. The LPC is focused on the practical skills that ...

What is the LPC in 2021?

Until 2021, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) remains the mandatory vocational stage of training to be a solicitor. From 2021 onwards, the LPC will be replaced by a new system, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) – find out more below. The LPC is the vocational stage of training that follows either a law degree or postgraduate law conversion course.

When will the SQE be introduced?

The SQE is due to be introduced in 2021, when the LPC will be phased out.

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