The Training Framework Review

Training as a solicitor at the moment is governed by the Law Society's Training Regulations 1990.  This document can be viewed online at the Law Society's website by clicking here.  The application of the Training Regulations is covered by a Law Society guide - "Training Trainee Solicitors" - also available online by clicking here.

As part of the changes to the governance of the profession and the regulation/representation split - the Law Society have relinquished control of the Training Framework Review (along with all education and training issues) to the Regulation Board.

The TSG no longer have a seat on the Training Committee for this reason.

However, the TSG continues to lobby and respond to consultations on training issues.  It is hoped that the TSG will be able to influence training policy and development of the TFR through the structure of a New Division of the Law Society (if this is successful).

Please address any questions on this point to policy@tsg.org.

The TSG Response

The TSG represents people who are going through the training process now.  It is our view that we are ideally placed to comment on the inadequacies of the current system and make suggestions for change.  We believe that our views should be taken seriously as we represent the future of the profession.   

We know that you - our members - are deeply concerned about the validity, equality, diversity and cost of training.  This is compounded by the severe competition for training contracts.  New entrants to the profession do so with an average debt of over £15,000 and it is not a commitment that is undertaken lightly.  This level of debt has increased since tuition fees were introduced and is likely to rise in the future.   

Concerns have been raised by more experienced members of the profession that standards are falling amongst newly qualified solicitors.  There is a strong public perception that standards are poor and this is evidenced by a large number of complaints.  

We share the concerns that the current formal legal training, training contracts, supervision and professional skills course may not be adequately preparing us for our chosen profession.   

See the TSG RESPONSE here.

TSG members are the TSG.  The TSG have compiled its response to the TFR consultation with this firmly in mind. 

In order to ensure that the TSG response to the consultation was as representative as possible, we carried out the largest on-line survey of its kind.  We also canvassed National TSG Committee members for their opinions.  They in turn canvassed their own local groups.  We tried to take into account all views received, which included dissenting opinions where possible.   

This was the first time that a response was drafted after such widespread consultation of members, a step which the TSG has decided to make its standard for such consultations.

HISTORY TO THE CONSULTATION

The TFR has been continuing for some time - since 2001.

A potted history of the TFR itself from inception can be seen on the Law Society website - with easy access to the consultation documents themselves and the progression of the plans for reform.

This can be accessed here -->  LAW SOCIETY WEBSITE

The most recent version of the TFR is based on the need to respond to the following changes:

• the Clementi review recommendation that regulation of the profession should be by a Legal Services Board with a lay majority
• the advent of top-up fees for higher education
• the government's commitment to promote degree awarding powers for non-traditional bodies
• the need to give credit for equivalent qualifications acquired by candidates for entry from elsewhere in the European Union (following the European Court of Justice decision in Morgenbesser)
• the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act, requiring justification of professional competence requirements
• the need to prepare for age discrimination legislation

One of the core changes to the system is that potential solicitors should be assessed as to their suitablity for quaification based on a set of "Day One Outcomes". 

The outcomes necessary to establish competency as a solicitor are reduced to five areas:

1. Intellectual, analytical and problem solving skills, including knowledge application, critical evaluation and communication skills.
2. Core knowledge and understanding in familiar areas, now to include legal personality and business structures, and the values and principles underpinning professional rules.
3. The ability to complete legal transactions and resolve legal disputes.
4. Practical understanding of the values and ethical requirements of a solicitor.
5. Management and client relationship skills.

The "Day One Outcomes", which all new entrants to the profession should be able to demonstrate from day one of qualification, can be accessed by clicking HERE.

The focus on the outcomes represents a shift in emphasis on the training system.  However, those with sharp eyes will note that the outcomes reflect the normal competencies of a trainee solicitor or NQ in any event under the current system.

THE CURRENT POSITION

The Law Society Regulation Board ("LSRB") have now taken over responsibility for training reforms as part of their regulatory ambit.  They are now continuing the work of the Training Framework Review Group ("TFRG") and have already released two consultation documents concerning proposed reform to the training system in this country.

Full detail of these consultations and the TSG responses to them are available on this website.

Please use the navigation bar to the left of the screen, or the links below, to find out more.

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