Despite already having a relationship with The University of Law (ULaw), Mayer Brown has become the latest firm to opt for BPP as their Legal Practice Course (LPC) provider after Kaplan announced the closure of its law school at the end of 2016.
The US firm said it made its decision about who its preferred law school would be based on which law school best met the firm’s needs. Mayer Brown global chief HR officer Annette Sheridan said: ‘The decision about who our future LPC and GDL provider was by no means an easy one however, having considered both options we believe BPP best meets our needs. We look forward to working with BPP and to continuing our relationship with the University of Law through on our legal apprenticeship programme.’
All students will transfer to BPP from September 2015, alongside any outstanding courses at Kaplan over to BPP, which the firm chose to switch one year ahead before it had to.
The move will be a blow to ULaw as Mayer Brown recently teamed up with the legal educator on a ‘direct to solicitor’ apprenticeship scheme. A six-year programme, it will see those enrolled work at the firm as they undertake a four-year part-time degree in law followed by completion of the LPC and Professional Skills Course. From the third year of the apprenticeship, work undertaken will count towards the compulsory period of recognised training required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
BPP is ahead of ULaw in terms of attracting new firms with Nabarro and Holman Fenwick Willan being the latest to opt for BPP this week [8 September]. The education establishment also picked up Baker & McKenzie and White & Case from rival ULaw as well as Magic Circle duo Allen & Overy and Clifford Chance.
jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk
