Non-law graduates: an uncommon route to qualification?

Journal article


Koo, J. (2019). Non-law graduates: an uncommon route to qualification? The Law Teacher. 54 (2), pp. 222-236. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069400.2019.1643659
AuthorsKoo, J.
Abstract

This article considers the future of the conversion course (Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law) taken by non-law graduates (NLGs) seeking to qualify as solicitors and barristers in England and Wales. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) are changing the paths to qualification, which for NLGs commences currently with this course. University law schools are particularly unsettled by (i) the impact of the SRA’s move to a centralised exam; (ii) the deregulation of courses including the conversion course; and (iii) the divergence in professional requirements. This article analyses the changes and the likely responses to them taking account of the factors which have influenced the development of the conversion course as it is today. These have been, and, it is argued, will increasingly be, market-influenced decisions to ensure a supply of “good” graduates. The analysis is juxtaposed with the agenda for diversity, this being a key driver of regulatory changes. It is argued that a free market of course providers points to new and varied courses, but there is no logic or factors on which it can be confidently suggested that the reforms will lead to greater diversity in the profession.

KeywordsLaw; Education
Year2019
JournalThe Law Teacher
Journal citation54 (2), pp. 222-236
PublisherInforma UK Limited
ISSN0306-9400
1943-0353
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/03069400.2019.1643659
Publication dates
Online15 Aug 2019
Print02 Apr 2020
Publication process dates
Accepted11 Jul 2019
Deposited11 Sep 2019
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
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