Do you know what competencies students in the CPLED Program are developing? Do you know what entry-level lawyer competencies are being evaluated?
In Alberta, the CPLED Program is designed to fulfill the requirements of a competency profile. More than just looking at substantive legal knowledge, CPLED students are also required to demonstrate a wide range of skills including:
- Ethics and professionalism skills
- Oral and written communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Research skills
- Client relationship management skills
- Practice management skills
Students are also expected to successfully perform numerous tasks. These tasks include identifying ethical issues, interviewing a potential client, drafting contracts and pleadings, writing letters to clients, researching legal issues, negotiating resolution of a dispute, and conducting a Chambers application.
To ensure that students achieve these CPLED competencies, they take part in a blended learning environment that includes three face-to-face modules, six online modules, an online Ethics & Professionalism competency evaluation, and an online Trust Accounting self-study course.
After completing each module, students are required take part in a Competency Evaluation which requires them to simulate tasks that are typically encountered at the entry-level practice of law. To be successful, students must obtain a standing of “Competency Demonstrated” (a grade of at least 60 percent) in all ten competency evaluations.
“Our goal is to provide CPLED students with a highly valued learning experience while at the same time providing fair, valid, and reliable assessment that puts everyone on equal playing field,” explains LESA’s Executive Director and Director of CPLED Program Jennifer Flynn.
Hear more about the CPLED Program in this video:
http://vimeo.com/59531277
To learn more about the CPLED Program and CPLED competencies, visit www.lesa.org.
