South-west firm Osborne Clarke has taken the unusual step of announcing that it is moving the training of its future lawyers from the University of Law (formerly the College of Law) to BPP from autumn 2013.

The announcement will add to the considerable rivalry between the two law schools. The University of Law describes itself as the largest legal training and education establishment in Europe and the leading international professional law school.

BPP, on the other hand, describes itself as ‘one of the largest’ UK providers of professional legal education, with one-third of all entrants to the profession having passed though its hands. Both law schools have eight branches across England, including two in London.

Commenting on the firm’s decision to switch training provider, Osborne Clarke’s chief executive officer Simon Beswick said: ‘After a firm-wide review we will be switching our graduate diploma in law and legal practice course programmes to BPP from September 2013 as it is better able to support our "whole career" training needs.’

BPP dean and chief executive Peter Crisp said: ‘This is a great opportunity for both BPP and Osborne Clarke to achieve the highest standards of education in the legal profession. We are really looking forward to working together over the coming years.’

Professor Nigel Savage, chief executive of the University of Law said: 'Over the last year we have welcomed top global law firms CMS Cameron McKenna and Dechert to the University of Law. We are working hard, strengthening our global footprint and supporting the top global law firms around the world to meet their legal training needs for the 21st century.'