University of Law renews five-year partnership with Linklaters

Linklaters' trainees will undertake a bespoke MSc in law, business and management, designed by legal training magnate, the University of Law (ULaw).

The master's-level business and management qualification has been designed in conjunction with Linklaters, and will be part of an enhanced legal practice course (LPC).

The syllabus is bespoke for Linklaters' trainees, although the university says a similar course will be available to all law firms and postgraduates from September 2015.

The programme's aims are to give students a range of skills aligned to both the legal and business challenges faced in today's ever-changing legal market. Threats that have emerged over the past five years include alternative business structures (ABSs) and increased competition due to the Legal Services Act, both of which are turning law more into a commodity.

Business skills are integrated within all aspects of the programme from day one. The university also says the course design will be further enhanced by visiting professors, an innovative assessment process, and a range of personal and professional skills training.

John Latham, CEO and president of ULaw said; "We have enjoyed a very successful relationship with Linklaters since 2006 and are delighted to have signed this new partnership agreement. Linklaters has been justifiably exacting in its requirements, and working together we have been able to deliver a market leading proposition that will equip Linklaters trainees for the legal and commercial challenges faced in today's workplace. This is the first of a number of new initiatives that ULaw will be announcing in the coming months, all designed to deliver distinct advantages to our students."

Wendy Tomlinson, global head of learning and development at Linklaters, commented; "We demand the highest standards of our training providers to ensure the next generation of Linklaters trainees have all the key competencies to meet all the outcomes required in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market.

"ULaw has delivered a new and innovative MSc in law, business and management that will equip our trainees with those essential skills. We are delighted to be entering the next phase of our successful business relationship with ULaw."

Laura Clenshaw is managing editor of Solicitors Journal

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @L_Clenshaw