Diploma changes to aid clarity and inclusiveness

The Law Society of Scotland has launched consultation on proposed minor changes to modernise the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice required to undertake a solicitor traineeship.

The Diploma is the first of two parts required to qualify as a solicitor under the Law Society’s Professional Education and Training (PEAT) programme, with the second being a regulated traineeship.

The Law Society’s Education and Training (Standard Setting) Sub-Committee will be seeking input from Scottish universities teaching the Diploma and other stakeholders, in the first review of PEAT 1 Outcomes since 2019.

Val Pitt, the Convener of the Education and Training (Standard Setting) Sub-Committee, said: “We are consulting to ensure the PEAT 1 Outcomes continue to meet the needs of students and the profession while maintaining high professional standards.

“These proposed changes aim to modernise the programme, address some identified areas for improvement and ensure an inclusive approach is maintained. Clarity is important for students, providers and the profession on what is expected to be achieved and how that should be assessed.

“In particular we’d like to give universities more flexibility in areas such as assessing students’ knowledge and skills, particularly in making reasonable adjustments where that’s appropriate.”

The proposed changes to the PEAT 1 Outcomes can be viewed here.