As a newly qualified lawyer, I note with interest that the Legal Services Policy Institute is proposing that the training contract be scrapped. Yes, it is difficult to get a training contract in the current climate and yes, it is even more difficult to secure employment after completion of training. But what about the invaluable practical experience that this legal training can offer?

If the proposals were implemented, all those people who will find it difficult to secure a contract will of course be attracted to working in unreserved legal activities, especially if they are given the title of ‘solicitor’ upon completing the LPC. It is vital that the structure of training contracts in general is looked at in further detail, ensuring that LPC graduates are vigorously trained in their chosen field of law (or at least given more than a ‘taster’ of different areas of law to enable them to gain further knowledge).

Whether in respect of reserved or unreserved legal activities, I cannot stress to all those law/LPC graduates and trainees out there how important practical experience is. Keep hold of that training contract!

Shumyla Sheikh, Associate, Bridge McFarland, Grimsby