The body representing training professionals in more than 150 law firms this week joined the assault on proposals to introduce more flexible routes to qualification as a solicitor.

Legal Education and Training Group (LETG) chairman John Trimbos said the plans would be a 'major disincentive' for firms to take on trainees, as the group published a paper slamming the proposals.


The plans, drawn up by the Law Society's training framework review group, will be put before the Law Society Council this week. They have already met fierce opposition from law schools, including the College of Law, but were last week backed by the Trainee Solicitors Group.


College: opposed to changes

The review group's chairwoman, Law Society council member Sue Nelson, was surprised by the 'vociferous nature' of the reaction to the proposals, which she said had been the subject of wide consultation.

The plans would see an end to the compulsory nature of the legal practice course (LPC), with the Law Society focusing on the assessment of skills rather than dictating a set route to qualification. A period of work-based training, including the completion of a portfolio showing how skills have been gained, would be required.


The LETG said there was no justification for radical changes, when the objective of opening up access to the profession could be achieved by shortening the LPC. It said the removal of a prescriptive approach to training was 'perverse', and criticised the proposals for assessment as 'vague in the extreme'.


Mr Trimbos said: 'The burden on trainees will be so onerous [with continuous assessment through portfolios] that many smaller firms may decide not to bother.'


He added: 'The gaping void is that there is no indication of how people will be assessed. That does not reassure the profession about the maintenance of standards.'


Ms Nelson said: 'In several respects, the review group recommends that standards be raised. The proposals do not spell the end of academic and professional education. They will lead to a profession that is better placed to serve the public.'