Course content
We begin with an induction course which introduces you to the ethos of the LPC and concepts you will encounter throughout the course. You will learn about Professional Conduct, IT and Practical Legal Research.
To be awarded the LPC you must successfully complete Stage One and Stage Two. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires all Stage One subjects to be taken at the same provider.
Stage One
Full-time students will take all Stage One units between September and March/April. Part-time students will take Stage One units between September and March/April over a two year period. In the case of part-time students, * in the detail below indicates a subject taken in the first year and ** indicates those which will be taken in the second year.
Property Law and Practice *
The main aim of this unit is to prepare you for practice: to provide you with a general foundation of the relevant knowledge and skills required in a Conveyancing transaction upon which you can build in subsequent practice.
Litigation *
This unit aims to give you an understanding of the Civil Litigation and Criminal Litigation process and an ability to manage those processes in a professional practice context.
Business Law and Practice (including Business Accounts) **
A good understanding and knowledge of both substantive business law and the institutional and transactional features of business law pervade all areas of practice and are essential to the practitioner. Knowledge of business accounts is seen as underpinning a solicitor’s ability to advise business clients in practice.
Accounts & Regulation: - Professional Conduct and Regulation * - Solicitors Accounts *
This unit aims to give you grounding in matters of Professional Conduct, Ethics, Financial Services and related matters. You will gain an understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules 2011 in the context of systems and procedures which you will be exposed to in practice.
Legal Skills: Writing *, Advocacy *, Practical Legal Research *, Interviewing and Advising **, Drafting **
This unit is made up of five elements: Writing, Advocacy, Practical Legal Research, Interviewing and Advising, Drafting. You will:
- Develop the skill of producing a coherent piece of writing based upon facts, general principles and legal authority in a structured, concise and where appropriate persuasive manner
- Be instructed in the skill of court advocacy and enabled to understand and practice the skill of fact and law analysis and the preparation and presentation of a piece of advocacy
- Understand the need for thorough investigation of the factual and legal issues involved in a client’s matter, the need for preparation and the best way to undertake it.
- Gain an appreciation of the techniques involved in successful interviewing, especially with regard to the assessment of client goals and being able to propose a relevant solution
- Be taught how to draft a range of documents accurately assessing appropriate legal and factual issues.
Estate Management and Taxation: Wills & Administration of Estates **, Taxation **
Knowledge of revenue law is seen as underpinning much of a solicitor’s work in practice. Knowledge of probate, estate management and related work is essential to the legal profession.
Stage Two
You can choose up to three of the following. Part-time students may choose to complete their elective units in the first and/or second year.
Commercial Property
The aims of this unit are to give you an insight into the type of work conducted by commercial property departments. It will expose you to the complex documentation commonly encountered within such an environment and will give you a good grounding in the procedures involved in this area.
Commercial Law
The aims of this unit are to appraise the various legal and regulatory regimes applicable to commercial/corporate transactions including the possible impact of European Community Law and Taxation.
Advanced Litigation
The aims of this unit are to develop your tactical and analytical skills and knowledge in a professional litigation context. You will be introduced to areas of litigation practice including high end commercial disputes, injunctions and clinical negligence.
Employment Law
The aims of this unit are to introduce you to:
- The various sources of employment law and the various types and definitions of “worker”
- An appreciation of the various rights of and remedies available to employees and other workers and of different methods of dispute resolution within a professional and commercial context
- An ability to assess and analyse employment problems and to advise a client within the rules of professional conduct on a range of employment rights and to prosecute any claims so arising
- An appreciation of the rights and obligations of both employer and employee and the consequences of their breach.
Family Law
The aims of this unit are to give you an understanding of the main areas of concern to a family solicitor and of the tactics and procedure involved in dealing with family matters.
Client in the Community
The aim of the unit is to give you a good working knowledge of the areas of law and practice in a field you will find yourself involved in on a daily basis when in practice.
The specific areas of practice covered are:
- Welfare benefits
- Homelessness & Housing law
- Children’s proceedings
- Juvenile crime
Private Client
The aims of this unit are to introduce you to a range of matters which you will encounter within a Private Client department and to equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills upon which you can build in subsequent practice.
NB. While every effort will be made to cater for all option choices, some grouping of options may be necessary and delivery may be subject to minimum group numbers.
