Solicitors are strongly committed to continuing training, says Stephen Honey
Almost three-quarters of solicitors expect to undertake 16 or more hours of training in the next CPD year, despite the removal of the mandatory target across the profession from November, according to a recent LexisNexis survey.
Wide-ranging survey
The online survey, which closed on 4 July, drew responses from a broad cross section of practitioners, from newly qualifieds through to those with more than 15 years’ experience, working in a wide range of firms, from sole practices to firms with over 100 partners as well as the employed sector. Respondents were divided equally according to whether or not their firm had a dedicated learning and development function.
Just under half of those surveyed felt that the increased flexibility and freedom offered by “continuing competence”, which replaces the previous “continuing professional development” scheme, will have a positive impact on training, with a further 40% anticipating that it will not have any significant impact. Only 11% believed that it would have a negative impact as their firms may be less likely to fund external training courses. Continuing
