BAD news ---
Law Society warning to students
29 July 2009
The Law Society is launching an information campaign to caution people considering a career in law as to the risks in terms of time and cost that this decision carries with it.
A Law Society spokesperson said:
"Working closely with the Junior Lawyers Division the Society is looking to inform and educate those considering a career as a solicitor to think long and hard about the commitment it requires to succeed - particularly in the face of increased competition. Last year alone, more than 1000 people who completed the Legal Practice Course did not get a training contract. This is about responsible management of entry to the profession. Alongside this campaign the Society and the profession have long been working hard to create a level playing field for those who are genuinely talented and meritorious in order to overcome the barrier of financial disadvantage
GUD NEWS ---

Press Release
Law Society launches Tier 5 scheme for migrant lawyers
14 May 2009
Today the Law Society announced it is stepping in to help law firms run internship and secondment programmes that were threatened by new immigration rules by launching a scheme for migrant lawyers under Tier 5 (T5) of the points-based system.
As the overarching body for this T5 scheme, the Society will authorise eligible firms to issue certificates of sponsorship to prospective short-term migrants. The firm will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the migrants, including all reporting and record-keeping obligations required by the PBS.
For the legal sector, sharing knowledge, experience and best practice with lawyers from around the world through work experience, secondment and internship programmes is essential to business development. In the current economic climate, the ability to remain competitive in the global market for legal services has never been more important.
A successful pilot of the scheme has been conducted with Clifford Chance LLP and Dechert LLP. Stuart Popham, worldwide senior partner of Clifford Chance said: "We welcome the new Law Society scheme. We believe it will play a vital role in enabling international law firms to continue to recruit the best talent in the global market."
40 leading national and international law firms have already indicated their interest in joining the scheme.
Des Hudson, Chief Executive of the Law Society said "The success of England's world-leading law firms depends on the relationships they build with lawyers from many jurisdictions. This scheme supports the international networking which is essential to the competitiveness of these global businesses

hey guys hv u seen ths new TIER 5 policy , wat do u think is ths of any help for LLM aspirants dreaming including me of getting into some legal firm training contract/paralegal. I was told by frnds who hv already done with thr LLM tht legal firms are not hiring or sponsring foreign advocates because Govt was imposing some tax in lieu of tht now after ths news release by Law Society dated 14.05.09 regarding NEW TIER 5 policy do u see any hope,

pls. examine and comment.

Thanks

Sandeep

are you sure about this..! Can you share some more information.

I think more than the LLM students...it is the LPC students who are really going to benefit...?

Anybody any view...this kinda seems very interesting