Each year, LESA partners with experienced legal professionals to host Alberta’s bar admission CPLED Program. We’ve already had more than 335 students apply for the 2016/2017 CPLED year, and we’re still taking applications. Having this many students means we need a lot of support from Alberta’s legal community to help the CPLED Program run smoothly. That’s why today’s blog shares upcoming CPLED opportunities that you can get involved with.
One of the CPLED Program goals is to help students develop entry-level lawyer competencies. As such, LESA recruits facilitators – who provide feedback to students in preparation for their competency evaluations – and evaluators – who grade these final submissions.
The desire to help new, aspiring lawyers develop their competencies is one reason why more seasoned lawyers choose to be a part of the program. If you’re one of those lawyers who wants to give back, you’re in luck – LESA has plenty of CPLED opportunities to fill.
LESA is currently recruiting facilitators and evaluators for both the 7 online modules and the 3 face-to-face sessions that comprise the CPLED program (see the 2016/2017 Key Dates).
Online Modules
Each online module is open for 3 weeks.
Learning Group Facilitators (LGFs) commit about 10–20 hours a week to CPLED while the module is open, including time spent providing feedback on assignments. LGFs monitor the progress of their learning group (usually 18–20 students) and interact with students through an online learning management platform. The responsibilities of LGFs include:
- preparing for each module;
- facilitating online discussions;
- responding to student questions;
- reviewing weekly student submissions; and
- providing feedback.
Learning Group Evaluators (LGEs) grade approximately 30–40 competency evaluations (final submissions). LGE duties conclude approximately 2 weeks after a module closes.
Both LGFs and LGEs are provided with mandatory training to explain the duties and expectations of their roles. Additional module-specific LGF training occurs about a week before each module opens.
Face-to-Face Sessions
Each face-to-face session runs over 3 or 4 days in Edmonton and Calgary, and individual volunteers usually commit 1 day of their time to the CPLED Program. LGFs help guide discussion and answer questions on teaching and learning exercise days, and LGEs grade final assessments on competency evaluation days.
LESA provides training materials and a pre-session conference call to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
Apply for CPLED Opportunities
Please note: CPLED facilitators and evaluators must have a minimum 4 years at the bar.
If you would like to get involved, complete the applicable application form(s).
- Online module application form (due June 30)
- Face-to-Face module application form (accepted throughout the year)
Separate application forms must be completed for face-to-face and online modules. Send all inquiries and application forms to Bronwyn Connolly at [email protected].
If you are currently on our face-to-face volunteer list but would no longer like to be contacted, please email Bronwyn Connolly ([email protected]), and we will remove your name.
LESA recruits experienced members of the Alberta legal profession as facilitators and evaluators. These individuals are critical to delivering a highly-valued educational experience and defensible, high-stakes competency evaluations. In scheduling facilitators and evaluators, considerations include optimal fit, diversity, program sustainability, and a desire to create a rewarding experience for all involved. LESA strives to consider a mix of demographics, practice areas, practice contexts (e.g. private practice, government, in-house, etc.), firm size, geographical locations, learning styles, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. LESA values the contributions of seasoned LGFs; it also strives to create opportunities for new LGFs. This approach supports long-term sustainability and avoids overburdening a limited subset of individuals.
