The Sheffield Law Society is delighted to now provide the Professional Skills Course (PSC) to the local Legal profession.
This course will comprise of three core modules:
Finance and business Skills (3 days – 18hrs of Tuition) March 2012
Advocacy and communication (3 days – 18hrs of Tuition) March 2012
Client Care & professional Standards (2 days – 12 hours of tuition) October 2012
This course will be held at the Sheffield & District Law Society in the Law Society Hall at a competitive price with no travel.
Finance and Business Skills PSC CORE MODULE:
Duration:
3 days (18 hours including 90 minute examination)
Format:
Lecture based, with practical case studies and workshops
Trainee no:
40 maximum, to comply with the requirements of the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA)
Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to:
• Introduce trainees to the main investment products available in the financial services market
• Examine the regulation of financial services under the regime established by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
• Consider the regulatory rules applicable to solicitors
Topics:
The course covers all topics required by the SRA, specifically:
• Introduction to the principles of investment management
• Key features of the main investment products
• Introduction to the financial services industry, the main players and the position of solicitors
• The regulatory environment in the UK
• Regulated Activities
• Exempt Regulated Activities and the Solicitors’ Financial Services (Scope) Rules
• Solicitors’ Financial Services (Conduct of Business) Rules
• Relevant Solicitors’ Code of Conduct Rules
• Money laundering, mortgage fraud and financial promotions
• Accounting and financial information
Examination:
There is a 90 minute open book examination.
Outcomes: The course meets the objectives prescribed by the SRA. The success measures for the course is that trainees:
• Improve their understanding of financial
Services products and the market in the UK
Which provides those products
• Understand the regulation of solicitors and
How to undertake exempt regulated activities
Advocacy & Communication Skills PSC CORE MODULE:
Duration: 3 days (18 hours)
Format: Workshop using practical case studies, small group work, feedback and written appraisals Trainee no: 16 maximum, to comply with the requirements of the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA)
Objectives: The objectives of this course are that trainees will be able to:
• Use appropriate language
• Listen, observe and interpret behaviour
• Speak and question effectively
• Open and close a case appropriately
• Use a variety of questioning skills to conduct examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination
• Prepare and present coherent and persuasive submissions
• Organise and present evidence
• Identify and act upon ethical problems
Topics:
The course covers all topics required by the SRA, including:
• Presentation skills
• Professional conduct
• Chambers advocacy
• Case analysis
• Opening and closing speeches
• Examination-in-chief
• Cross-examination
• Trial advocacy
Case study exercises: Exercises are based on a single set of facts / files and are developed throughout the course to cover:
• Chambers applications (summary judgment, security for costs, etc.)
• Examination-in-chief
• Cross-examination
• Civil trial
Outcomes: The course meets the objectives prescribed by the SRA. The success measures for the course is that trainees:
• Improve their advocacy preparation and presentation skills
• Enhance their ability to recognise and deal with professional conduct issues relevant to advocacy
Client Care & Professional Standards PSC CORE MODULE:
Duration: 2 days (12 hours)
Format: Small group workshop, including practical case study exercises
Trainee no: 20 maximum, to comply with the requirements of the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA)
Objectives: Trainees undertaking this course will be able to identify and act appropriately upon issues concerning their professional relationships and ethical responsibilities to clients, colleagues, the courts, other solicitors, other professionals, the SRA, the Law Society and other relevant bodies.
Topics: The course covers all topics required by the SRA, specifically:
• Element 1 – client care and communication skills, including:
-Communication, both orally and in writing
-Interviewing skills and taking instructions
-Keeping clients informed
-Discussing costs
-Handling client expectations and dealing with difficult clients
-Avoiding, identifying and handling complaints
• Element 2 – professional standards,
Including:
-The Code of Conduct rules
-Client confidentiality
-Conflicts of interest
-Undertakings
-Negligence warnings
-Discussing, advising and reporting on costs
-Contingency arrangements
-Retainers
-Letters of engagement
-Avoiding, identifying and handling complaints
• Element 3 – work and case management,
Including: - Time limits and time management
- Identifying and minimising risk
- The risk of professional liability
- Case file management
Case study exercises: A wide range of practical case studies is used covering all topics addressed by the course.
Outcome: The course meets the objectives prescribed by the SRA. The success measure for the course is that trainees are better able to recognise and deal with professional conduct, client care and case management issues with greater practical understanding, empathy and confidence.
For further details on this course please contact the Sheffield Law Society Manager Lynne Parker on (0114)2723655 or email Lynne.parker@sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk .
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