Vocation, vocation, vocation

The apprenticeship model will not work for all legal services providers, and it could damage equality in the profession, says John Hodgson

In many ways this is a wheel coming full circle. Until the 1960s most solicitors were 'apprentices', although they might have prepared for their professional exams by sitting in on local university lectures. It is quite possible to educate and train technician grade lawyers through apprenticeship; that is what ILEX does. Most of the firms now offering apprenticeships are pitching them at this level, although, as with legal executives, there is room for further career progression based on experience and merit.

This model makes sense for providers of commoditised legal services. It makes no sense for the major providers of commercial legal services, or for the Bar. These need elite recruits, capable of operating in a demanding commercial and/or intellectual context. The intellectual depth that higher education brings is more valuable here, although the demand for GDL entrants, and their success, shows that it is the level of study, rather than the content, that counts. In this context the competition is global, and all other advanced systems require undergraduate or post-graduate academic qualifications, so major players will continue to recruit traditional entrants.

There is no reason why one size should fit all, given the current diversity of provision of legal services. The main problem of a twin-track approach is equality of opportunity. There is a likelihood that apprenticeship will appeal to the debt averse, and also those with limited personal or family resources. Those from more affluent backgrounds will be happy to incur the costs of a traditional legal education. This will undo much of the good work recently done in opening up the profession to talent from all backgrounds. No doubt some who start as apprentices will bridge the divide, as some managing clerks and legal executives did, and do.

If apprenticeships do become more common, the real challenge will be to ensure that there really is a clear route to full qualification and genuine career opportunities for all, regardless of where they start from.

John Hodgson is a reader in legal education at Nottingham Law School

Vocationally trained lawyers ensure diversity in the profession, and should be treated with the same respect as any lawyer, says Vicky Loughnane

I am proud to be part of the Institute of Legal Executives, an organisation that offers the only route to becoming a qualified lawyer that is open to anyone, regardless of their background or qualifications.

There has been much 'chatter' recently about routes into law and, with university fees increasing, respected firms are now looking at providing 'legal apprenticeships'. This is great news for many aspiring lawyers who, through no fault of their own, find the financial burden of university just too much. But should a lawyer be a truly vocational role? In a word, no.