"Virtual fair" opens for career options

Students considering a career as a solicitor can now research their post-graduate options online.

The Society has created a virtual post-graduate fair to reflect the major changes to the vocational stage of the route to qualification, coming into force in September 2011. It will go live on the Society’s website www.lawscot.org.uk during March.

Students will be able to view details of all the courses offered as part of the new Professional Education and Training stage 1 (PEAT 1), also known as the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Liz Campbell, Director of the Society’s Education and Training team, said: “The introduction of PEAT 1 is an exciting time for students as, unlike the previous Diploma, up to 50% of the content of PEAT 1 will be elective, meaning that students will have a real choice regarding the area of law they might wish to practise in.

“It is vital therefore, that prospective students take time to consider which Diploma provider can offer a programme best suited to them now, and in the future. The online PEAT 1 fair allows students the opportunity to view all the providers offering the Diploma and to consider their options to make an informed decision for the future.”

The creation of the online fair is part of the Society’s Supporting New Lawyers Strategy 2010-11, and of its commitment to provide information and support to new lawyers throughout the route to qualification.

Heather McPhee, the Society’s development officer for new lawyers, added that to help students weigh up the various factors involved in deciding whether to undertake the Diploma, the Society would once again this year be publishing a guidance note with the Diploma application forms, outlining the current position of post-graduate funding, traineeship numbers and the cost of fees.

The guidance note will be available to download on the main page of the online fair, along with the Pritchard Trust application forms. The trust was established to assist those who wish to qualify as solicitors, in particular Diploma students, who, through financial constraints, are unable to do so.

• Any individuals with questions in relation to the Diploma or the Pritchard Trust are encouraged to email diploma@lawscot.org.uk.