Law trainee entrants at risk from lecturer action
Lack of Diploma results could prevent traineeships starting
The university lecturers' pay dispute could affect intending lawyers waiting to begin their traineeship, it has emerged.
Action by the academics in support of their pay claim, which includes not marking exam scripts, could disrupt the allocation of Diploma places to those currently sitting their final degree exams, and also delay the award of the Diploma to those due to begin their two-year traineeship.
Law Society of Scotland regulations require students to have the Diploma in Legal Practice before they begin their traineeship.
The Society has confirmed that it is attemping to ensure that the lecturers' action does not affect the award of Diploma places. This is normally done by the universities who teach the Diploma. Places are awarded on the basis of academic merit. The Society remains hopeful that the dispute will be resolved by September, when the final allocations are normally made.
However the traineeship entrance requirement could be a significant problem, even if firms who have already filled their training places are willing to honour their commitment.
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