LPC modules: a detailed look

Apr 30, 2024

Written By Becky Kells

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is designed to get you ready for life in a law firm. Covering a mix of core, elective and practical skills, it can be summarised as a practical interpretation of the legal principles you’ve already learned.

Core modules

No matter where you complete your LPC, there are certain modules you’ll have to complete before you join the world of work. These are:

Criminal litigation: In this module you’ll study the entire criminal process, learning how things are done in a criminal case. It’s on this module that you’ll learn how to advise a suspect in a police station, for example, and all of the rules regarding bail applications, trial locations, detention and sentencing.

Business law and practice: In business law and practice (or BLP) you will gain an insight into all of the facets of business where law needs to be considered. These include setting up a company, forming partnerships and various types of financing, as well as insolvency and other major events in a company’s life cycle.

Property law and practice: This module will cover all aspects of property law including the contract, property development dealing with leases as well as taxation and property.

Civil litigation: Looking at the litigation process on the civil side, you’ll learn how to commence proceedings as well as the entire process of a case right the way up to trial. You’ll also look at alternative dispute resolution and what happens when there is a cross-jurisdictional matter.

Wills and probate: In this module you’ll learn the process of drafting, executing and amending a will, as well as the steps involved in administering an estate.

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Elective modules

In addition to the core modules detailed above, you’ll have the opportunity to take a series of electives. The number of electives will be determined by your course provider and format. If you have a training contract, your law firm might specify which electives they want you to take depending on their own practice areas and interests. Or you might be granted free rein to pick modules that appeal to your career.

Some modules on offer include:

- Personal injury and clinical negligence

- Employment law

- Family law

- Commercial litigation

- Media and entertainment law

- Commercial property law

- Private client law

- Mergers and acquisitions

- Intellectual Property

- International Trade

Practical skills

There are also a range of practical skills that are essential to master before starting as a trainee. You’ll learn these skills and be assessed in a practical setting, such as via exercises or video assessment. The skills are:

- Advocacy and negotiating

- Interviewing

- Writing and drafting

- Legal research

Hopefully that gives you an insight into how the LPC works and what you can expect to learn! If you need more information about the LPC and are looking to apply, head to our dedicated LPC section

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