If I could combine my experiences of my LLM, MBA and PhD, I would love to create a course in international legal practice and research.  This would be a Masters level course, achieved by completing 360 units.

Nobody would take it, as people would be in a hurry to get on with their training contracts in the early 20s, but I would love to be able to offer it in the LegalAware College.

LegalAware College would be based in a plush part of Central London, midway between Bloomsbury and Red Lion St. Only the best students would be allowed to attend, except there would be no entry requirement. We would offer unlimited scholarships for those who wished to prove a commitment to law in the City or in social welfare.

 

Core subjects (8 x 25 = 200 units) – years 1 and 2 (but assessed at the end of the second year)

1. Business law and practice

2. Property law

3. Litigation and advocacy

4. Organisations (looking at organisations and business structures, leadership, operations, strategy, accounting, economics, principles of marketing)

5. Research skills, writing and ethics

6. Professional conduct

7. Communication skills, taking a case history and advising

8. Social responsibility in law (corporate social responsibility, housing, immigration, asylum, welfare benefits)

Electives (90 units) – might be offered in private equity and venture capital, employment, media, technology and cloud computing, environmental, insurance, advanced social justice, equity finance and debt finance, for example. Students would do one in the first year, and do the second one in the second year.

Research and communication (70 units) – this could either be a business intelligence project, or a legal dissertation, entirely produced by the learner.  The work for this component would span across both years.

Successful candidates would have exemption from the LPC from the SRA.  The course would also be offered through broadband, particularly in emerging economies and other jurisdictions. The course would however focus on English law and international business management.  The aim would be to produce a qualification which could allow for further training in high street law and for a City environment.

Now back to work….