PSC Professional Skills Course (Law License) Course
What is the Professional Skills Course?
The Professional Skills Course or PSC is the final and crucial stage of training prior to becoming qualified as a solicitor. It is undertaken during the trainee solicitors Training Contract with a law firm, and is a compulsory requirement as stipulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The training is delivered via small group workshops specifically structured for trainees.
PSC Syllabus Information
PSC programme core modules consist of three key subjects or skill areas that are considered as essential areas of competency required by practising solicitors. The three core modules can be completed as quickly as eight days with an additional four days required for elective modules. The total course takes 12 days or 72 hours.
PSC Core Modules
1. Advocacy with Communication Skills
After completing this module, you will be expected to have developed and be able to demonstrate persuasive presentation skills, the ability to extract information from others while maintaining logical arguments and ensuring cogency. You should also be able to conduct an analysis of a case and explain the theory behind why they feel their client’s case should be successful.
They will be expected to be able to conduct chamber advocacy and understand trial advocacy. Other competencies expected include the examination of witnesses-in-chief and cross-examination or re-examination.
Duration – 3 days (18 hours).
The module is assessed with an individual oral and written appraisal.
2. Client Care with Professional Standards
There are generally three paths for you to follow during this module which should reflect the particular type of practice where you are undertaking their Training Contract:
1. Corporate route – for trainees working in corporate firms where publicly-listed companies are the main type of client
2. Commercial and private route – for trainees on Training Contracts in law firms with a mix of business and private clients
3. In-house lawyers route – for trainees in commercial organisations where their employer is the client.
This module is intended to develop your understanding and appreciation of professional legal working practice such as professional conduct, work management skills and client care. After completing Client Care and Professional Standards module, you will be able to identify and effectively deal with issues that arise relating to professional conduct, ethics, risk management and client care.
You should also be able to develop ways of constructively interacting with others while managing time, projects and continuing professional development. They will be able to be fully appreciative of the practicalities associated with each case including retainers, professional duties to The Court and client, fees, client care and general undertakings that are necessary. They will be capable of problem resolution in the most practical manner possible.
Duration – 2 days (12 hours)
3. Financial and Business Skills
This module examines the statutory context within which financial advice can be offered and the application of those principles; the various criminal sanctions that could arise from the offering of such advice, as well as issues that may surface that are covered by the Code of Conduct.
Learning outcomes will include your understanding of the financial services industry and the appreciation of the legal and regulatory regime governing solicitors providing financial advice. You should also be aware and appreciate that the Codes of Conduct are necessary in the provision of financial services and of how they aim to maintain consumer rights. You will have gained an understanding of the specific characteristics of an array of investment types and know the importance of maintaining effective portfolio planning.
Duration – 3 days (18 hours)
Assessment is carried out by a one hour and 30 minute written exam.
PSC Electives
The elective modules are one-day modules, which can be taken after the core modules and a total of four days or 24 hours must be completed to pass the Professional Skills Course.
Practice Skills Options
• Effective Written Communication Skills
• Skilled Negotiation Techniques
• Presenting with Persuasive Argument
• Advanced Written Communication Skills
• The Law Firm Seen as a Commercial Enterprise
• Advanced Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• How to Deal with the Media
• Enforceability
Contentious Skills Options
• Dispute Resolution
• Personal Injury
• Employment Law
• Criminal Law
• Family Law
Non-contentious Skills Options
• Commercial Law and Intellectual Property
• Corporate Law
• Commercial Property and the law
• Private Client Law
• Higher Rights of Audience
Choosing a Course Provider
Choosing the right course provider is one of the most important choices you will make in your route to becoming a practising solicitor. The school you use and the results achieved will directly affect the calibre of law firm which you will ultimately work for. Don’t leave your solicitor training to chance and let Lawtraining.co.uk help you secure the top training providers closest to your area.
Next Steps
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