A course aimed at providing solicitors with the skills to manage a legal practice is among a range of resources that the Law Society is currently offering to support smaller practices.

The organisation has recently updated its free Business Hub, which includes business-plan templates, guidance on setting up a practice or a partnership, library resources catering to business skills for lawyers, and direct consultations with practice-support staff.

The Law Society’s Legal Services Excellence Standard (LSES), which is assessed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), will also be open for applications soon.

The LSES is a voluntary certification scheme for all practices with a focus on processes and operations. Solicitors who are interested can now learn more and register their interest.

Hybrid course

Law Society Skillnet’s Diploma in Legal Practice Management is a hybrid course, to be held through Zoom and in-person at the Law Society of Ireland.

It begins on 20 March (2pm) and ends on 18 December (5pm).

The course will enable participants to understand every aspect of the establishment and operational management of a legal firm in Ireland from a business, human-resources, and financial-management perspective.

Management role

The diploma is aimed at all professionals working, or intending to work, in a management role in a law firm in Ireland.

It is particularly relevant to sole principals, managing partners, solicitors with management responsibilities, and staff members with responsibility for strategic, operational, human resources, risk, marketing, and financial management. It is also appropriate for those intending to set up or acquire a law firm.

The course also aims to help learners to work towards achieving industry-approved standards – including the LSES.

On completion of this diploma, participants will have fulfilled their full requirement of CPD hours for 2024.