The Open University is looking to recruit some 50 solicitors across the country to act as part-time tutors on its expanding law degree course.

The OU law programme, run in collaboration with the College of Law, is now the UK's largest undergraduate law course with 3,600 students.

It is seeking solicitors to meet with a group of around 20 students for two hours a month to discuss course material, mark assignments and help with aspects of the course by phone, e-mail or in writing.

Training will be provided, and tutors will be paid around 4,000 a year.

Programme director Professor Gary Slapper said: 'We already have 200 law tutors, including many solicitors and retired solicitors who provide an excellent service for our students.

Solicitors are often good at explaining legal points clearly and simply, as they are trained to do that for clients.'

For more information, e-mail: ou-law@open.ac.uk or tel: 01908 858 621.

Paula Rohan