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Articling could get the axe: LSUC task force report |
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Written by Melissa Kluger
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Sunday, 27 January 2008 |
In an interim report presented last Thursday, the Law Society’s Licensing and Accreditation Task Force proposed that the skills and professional responsibility program be cancelled and suggested some dramatic changes to the articling program. Given the increase in the number of students seeking articles, and the static number of positions available, the Task Force put forward three options:
- The Status Quo – Continue with articling, but make it clear that the Law Society makes no guarantees that students will find employment.
- The Alternative – Keep articles but offer another stream for students who don’t find placements.
- The End – Abolish articles altogether.
The report blames the projected increase in the number of article-seekers on the rising number of foreign-trained law students, an increase in law school enrollment, and applications by two Ontario universities to open new law schools.
The current system places approximately 1,300 articling students, but the number seeking placement is expected to rise to over 1,700 by 2009. This has given the Law Society serious cause for concern. The Society is inviting written comments until April 3, 2008. Tell us what you think. Leave a comment or take The Precedent Survey (over there on the sidebar). Update: The deadline for written submissions has been extended to May 31. In addition, Convocation voted to add another option for making changes to the articling program. Option #4: Consider any other options.
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