LPC graduates must manage expectations, says SRA chief

Alternative routes to qualification could provide relief for legal practice course (LPC) graduates struggling to secure training contracts, according to the regulator's chief.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) chief executive, Paul Philip, believes students studying the LPC should have a realistic view of entry into the legal profession.

Speaking at London Law Expo 2015, Philip said: 'You've got to really clear with people about income generating opportunities and the chances of getting a training contract.'

Philip acknowledged that the high number of LPC graduates without training contracts was a concern and attributed this to the widening of access to education by the government.

The difficulty of accessing the legal market was recently highlighted by the University of Law's (ULaw) money-back guarantee offer for those students who do not secure a job in law or commerce within six months of graduation from the LPC.

The SRA chief does not, however, believe there should be a limit on the number of places available on legal training courses, while adding that graduates with high hopes of a career in the legal profession should not be deterred.

With alternative routes to the traditional training contracts now available to graduates, such as with the introduction of a period of recognised training (PRT) and apprenticeships, Philip said he believes there are now more options open to graduates.

'Everyone is young and hopeful but if we can get penetration on alternative routes of LPC entry then this could have an impact on LPC graduates.'

However, the PRT regime has not received acclaim from all. The Law Society is endeavouring to protect the revered training contract, arguing that qualification as a solicitor should not be 'watered down', and that the SRA's reforms could 'damage' the UK legal system's global reputation.

Matthew Rogers is an editorial assistant at Solicitors Journal matthew.rogers@solicitorsjournal.co.uk