The qualification all solicitors need: the legal practice course (LPC)

Every aspiring solicitor must complete the legal practice course (LPC), which is the vocational stage of training. The course is designed to prepare students for working life and give them an understanding of the law and its application to practical issues.

Recent changes to the LPC

In 2008, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) voted to change the LPC, introducing a new structure and objectives for the course to make it more flexible and adaptable to the needs of students and employers. Some course providers have already implemented the changes for the 2009 academic year, and all LPC study will follow the new structure from September 2010. You can find out more about these changes from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The new-style LPC is split into two stages: Stage 1 covers the core practice areas and course skills and Stage 2 is made up of three elective modules chosen by the student. Students can complete the different stages at different institutions and may even chose a different institution for each of the three elective modules.

It’s also possible to take a break between stages 1 and 2, for example to start your training contract or gain other legal experience in the workplace: students now have five years from the completion of their first assessment to finish the course. Full-time courses covering both stages typically last one year (though they may be shorter) and part-time courses take two years.

How the new LPC is designed to meet your needs

The new structure gives LPC providers the flexibility to tailor their courses. You’ll need to make sure that the provider and electives you choose are suitable for the sort of work you hope to do. Some firms specify which LPC their future trainees should attend, while others request that they take specific electives. You can find further details of individual firms’ requirements here on targetjobs.co.uk: browse law graduate recruiters and solicitors' firms.

The training all solicitors need

There are three elements of the course that will be considered in the context of each of the core practice areas. These are:

• professional conduct and regulation
• taxation
• wills and administration of estates.

The core practice areas cover three areas of law that all solicitors need to know and understand. These are:

• business law and practice
• property law and practice
• litigation (criminal and civil).

You’ll also develop a range of course skills that solicitors need. These are:

• writing
• drafting
• interviewing and advising
• practical legal research
• advocacy.

Tailor your LPC to suit your graduate career needs

Stage 2 of the LPC is made up of three distinct vocational electives that students can select from the range available. Each elective is allocated to an elective group and students are required to complete electives from at least two groups to ensure that you cover different areas of practice. Different institutions offer different choices so the option to study each elective at a different institution may be helpful to you.

How to apply for the LPC

Application forms and guidance notes for full-time courses are available in October from www.lawcabs.ac.uk or by post from: LPC Central Applications Board, PO Box 84, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1YX, tel: 01483 301282.

You can choose up to three institutions for your LPC. You must sell yourself on the application form, giving convincing reasons for choosing a legal career, outlining your aspirations and offering evidence of your commitment to the profession. A referee is also required to vouch for your academic achievements and commitment to law.

Completed applications for full-time courses should be submitted to the Central Applications Board by 1 December 2010 for courses starting in 2011. Applications for part-time and distance learning courses should be made directly to the relevant institution. Applications for elective modules should also be made directly to the provider.