Training Matters - March 2010
Advanced training - innovative design
The College prides itself on providing flexible and bespoke programmes to meet clients’ individual training requirements in terms of both content and delivery methods. An example is a recent programme designed and delivered for leading law firm Schillings.
Schillings is the leading law firm protecting the privacy and reputation of corporates and high profile individuals. In the summer of 2009, the firm launched the Schillings Academy to provide bespoke training to all of its staff on key aspects of the firm’s practice and business.
Aimed at qualified lawyers, the Academy training has four components: defamation, privacy law and confidence, reputation management, and written and oral advocacy.
The Academy training opened with the advocacy component. Working closely with the firm, the College designed a six module programme covering the following areas:
- Case analysis and evidence
- Statements of case
- Written communications
- Presentation skills
- Interim applications
- Submissions on a point of law
The firm was very enthusiastic about the content of the programme but wanted to minimise the time spent by its solicitors out of the office engaged in training. We therefore devised a pattern of training which combined a form of distance learning and trainer feedback with face-to-face elements, which included:
- in advance of each module, the delegates prepared for the exercises to be covered using supplied case study materials and instructions. In most instances this included preparation of written coursework
- written coursework was e-mailed to the trainer who would consider it prior to the module
- during the face-to-face training, the trainer provided individual feedback on written coursework, conducted and critiqued the practical exercises for which the delegates had prepared, and laid the groundwork for the next module
The face-to-face training took place at the firm’s offices and comprised two hour sessions run once a fortnight from 6-8pm.
The delegates were very conscientious about their preparation work which allowed the face-to-face training to concentrate on the enhancement by practice of their analytical thinking skills and written and oral presentation skills.
Bespoke training for your firm
All of our dispute resolution training has an underlying modular design so that programmes can be tailored to meet clients’ requirements - and we’re always willing to consider new approaches to delivery methods.
For further information, or to arrange a bespoke training programme for your firm, please contact Frances Pryor, Head of Dispute Resolution Training (Professional Development Division), The College of Law on 01483 216295, mobile 07771 993400 or e-mail frances.pryor@lawcol.co.uk.