Mar 13 - New Requirements to Solve Disparity in Training of Solicitors and Barristers
Following a call from the Gibraltar Bar Council to re develop the training scheme for barristers and solicitors wishing to practice law in Gibraltar, the Government has teamed up with the Bar Council and the Chief Justice to reveal new requirements that will see a balance in training between barristers and solicitors who currently undergo different training systems despite then carrying out the same type of work. Currently barristers are admitted and enrolled upon completion of the Bar Professional Training Course, whilst solicitors must undertake a further two-year training period after completing their Legal Practice Course.
New requirements will apply equally to both professions and will involve an academic course to be carried out at the Gibraltar University over a 24-week period, with an exam at the end. Requirements, to come will also include a year of practical in an approved establishment in Gibraltar. Currently the two firms approved to carry out such training are Triay Stagnetto Neish and Hassans. Once the requirements come into play as of the 1st July, other local firms will be able to apply to become credited training establishments. Training would cover three of four areas of legal practice, including Commercial Law, Property Law, Litigation and Private Client.
Finally barristers and solicitors will undergo a Professional Skills Course to be carried out towards the end of the year’s training, covering Advocacy and Communications Skills, Client Care and Professional Standards and Financial and Business Skills.
Minister for Justice Gilbert Licudi, along with Chairman of the Bar Melo Triay praised the swiftness of the implementation of the requirements. The minister expressed his satisfaction in bringing together both education and justice strands of his ministerial responsibility. He further expressed his thanks to the bar council.
The shift in requirements will see changes to legislation, which will be brought to Parliament in May or June. The academic course will commence as from September 2015.
