College of Law strikes major deal with law firms

The College of Law's plan to dominate legal education has moved up a gear after it struck a major deal with 30 law firms to provide a pioneering training programme for their junior corporate lawyers.

The law school will provide members of the consortium, which includes Berwin Leighton Paisner, Dechert, Herbert Smith, Jones Day, SJ Berwin, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Wragge & Co, a programme of courses aimed at corporate associates with up to three years' PQE.

The consortium is the fourth in a series of joint multi-firm training initiatives. The first, for real estate lawyers, was launched in 2001 and has been followed by a Manchester-based real estate consortium and a London-based private client consortium. The college is now working towards launching a programme for dispute resolution associates.

In recent years the College of Law has become famed for its aggressive growth strategy. Since launching its prized Moorgate branch the school has signed up several firms for its bespoke LPC. It is also going head-to-head with archrival BPP Law School for the City LPC consortium.

The College of Law's other branches include Chester, Guildford and Store Street.