London, 29 June 2006 – LAWFUEL – Law News Network – Baker & McKenzie, London has appointed The College of Law exclusively to deliver the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to its future trainee solicitors, starting with the September 2007 intake.
Known as the Baker & McKenzie LPC+, the course will be delivered from The College of Law’s new centre in Moorgate, which opens this summer, and gives the Firm the opportunity to tailor the course to the needs of its 30-strong annual trainee intake.
The year long programme will foster stronger links between Baker & McKenzie and its future trainees, allowing the Firm to provide more training, support and social contact during the LPC year.
Amongst other elements of the programme, Baker & McKenzie lawyers will actively participate in the development and delivery of sessions set within the context of the Firm’s practice. Tailored learning materials will include topics relevant to its business such as multi-jurisdictional transactions.
London Training Partner, Mike Webster, commented: “We believe that our students will benefit greatly from this collaboration with the College. It will provide all our trainees with the chance to understand more about the culture of the Firm and to develop relationships with their future colleagues whilst providing a common training platform of the highest quality. With the college we are investing significant resource in this exercise to create a student experience that reflects the expectations and aspirations of our high calibre trainee applicants.”
Webster continued: “The new programme will ensure that all of our trainees are able to commence their training contract with a better understanding of our practice and culture. The Firm will also provide additional training to raise commercial awareness and to equip trainees with the technical skills and personal qualities identified in our development framework.”
Colin Dworkin, Director of Training added: “Baker & McKenzie has long been committed to the development of our trainees. This is illustrated by the fact that for three years running we have been named the ‘Best Trainer – Large City Firm’ in the LawCareers.Net/Trainee Solicitors’ Group Training & Recruitment Awards. This initiative is further evidence of that commitment.”
Professor Nigel Savage, Chief Executive of The College of Law said: “I am delighted that Baker & McKenzie have backed our approach to the LPC. Our strategy is particularly suited to the needs of global firms, such as Baker & McKenzie, as well as national firms, because it facilitates the culture of on-line learning in the training context and client relationship environment. Our approach enables firms to focus their education and training on delivering strategic priorities thus getting trainees off to the right start immediately.”
About The College of Law
The College of Law is the largest provider of vocational legal education and training in Europe. Incorporated in 1962, the College is an educational charity controlled by a Board of Governors and was granted a Royal Charter in 1975. With centres in Birmingham, Chester, Guildford, London and York, the College employs over 550 staff, including 235 teaching staff made up of solicitors and barristers.
