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LAW AND LEGAL AWARENESS

We have a range of programmes and conferences designed to support professional development for lawyers in government, delivered in partnership with the Government Legal Service (GLS). Practising Government lawyers deliver the majority of the training on core legal subjects like human rights, European law and legislative practice. The National School also provides courses on management, personal effectiveness and interviewing skills, geared specially towards lawyers in government. Courses are open to all government lawyers, whether or not they are part of the GLS and every course is an opportunity to build networks around Whitehall and increase professional expertise.

The GLS has established training committees covering the main subject-areas of government law, which meet regularly, identify training needs and design and deliver courses in partnership with the National School, as the need arises. The groups focus on administrative, commercial, employment and European law, as well as training in legislation, and for prosecutors.

The National School has a dedicated team of lawyers who are also training professionals and, working with a support team of administrators, they deliver, design, evaluate and work with government lawyers to ensure that every programme and conference offers the best value for money for departments, and the best learning experiences for the delegates they send.

We offer residential programmes at Sunningdale and non-residential programmes and conferences in London. You can find up to date details of the full range of courses, including those from the training committees on the LION intranet at knowledgenetwork.gsi.gov.uk/lion (accessible only to GLS lawyers); or at nationalschool.gov.uk/gls

Law Conferences

One-day conferences are a popular method for government lawyers and their policy, operational and corporate services focused colleagues to update their awareness of current issues in their area of practice and network with colleagues. Annual events are held on administrative law, European law and employment law. Additional conferences for commercial law and for prosecutors, are arranged according to demand. All of the events of this type are designed for those with a working background or interest in the field. Speakers include senior government lawyers, policy specialists, members of the judiciary, academics, and members of international bodies.

CPD: typically 5 hours

For further information Jeff Linsdell 01344 634 620, gtn 3803 4620glstraining@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk

Introductory Course for Lawyers

For lawyers new to the Government Legal Service (GLS), ideally within three to nine months of joining. This five-day residential programme is recognised by departmental line managers as an integral part of the induction process. You’ll learn about the breadth of work available to a government lawyer, the structure of the Civil Service and your role within it, plus key learning on core areas such as administrative law, devolution, European law, information law and human rights.

CPD: 33 hours

Programme Directors Isobel Brown and Cathryn Bowker

Code Length Price

ICFL 5 days £1,320

Venue Dates

Sunningdale 19-23 Apr 10, 24-28 May 10, 21-25 Jun 10, 12-16 Jul 10, 6-10 Sep 10, 15-19 Nov 10, 17-21 Jan 11

London 4-8 Oct 10

For further information Heather Phillips 01344 634 508, gtn 3803 4508 heather.phillips@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk nationalschool.gov.uk/icflWe


MANAGEMENT AND INTERVIEWING SKILLS

We offer a range of management and interviewing skills programmes to enable government lawyers to negotiate their way through professional gateways such as the Law Society Management Stage one requirements, or additional skillsets required under Professional Skills for Government and similar initiatives that can lead to promotion and that go beyond purely legal professional requirements.

We suggest you also take a look at the range of management, project-planning, leadership and personal development programmes run by the National School.

Management for Lawyers: First Steps

For solicitors in government at, or approaching, three years’ post-qualification experience who need to satisfy the Law Society’s Management Stage one criteria and be accredited as such. Also for those wanting to develop time management, team and business relationships skills. It does not deal with line management of others.

CPD: 14 hours for solicitors but no accreditation for barristers.

Programme Director Cathryn Bowker

Code Length Price

MFL 2 days £850

Venue Dates

Sunningdale 29-30 Jun 10, 25-26 Nov 10

For further information Carol Underwood 01344 634 526, gtn 3803 4526 carol.underwood@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk nationalschool.gov.uk/mfl

Interviewing Skills for Lawyers

Government lawyers not yet trained in competency based recruitment and selection techniques will need to attend this programme before being invited to sit on Government Legal Service boards. While participating in this intensive two-day programme, you will be able to practise competency based interviewing techniques and receive individual feedback in a safe learning environment.

CPD: 16 hours for solicitors but no accrediation for barristers.

Programme Directors Isobel Brown and Cathryn Bowker

Code Length Price

ISTS 2 days £775

Venue Dates

London 17-18 May 10, 13-14 Sep 10, 21-22 Feb 11

For further information Jeff Linsdell 01344 634 622, gtn 3803 4622 jeff.linsdell@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk nationalschool.gov.uk/ists