PRACTICAL TRAINING OF MASTER OF LAWS STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITIES OF GREAT BRITAIN

Abstract

The article is devoted to revealing the specific features of the practical training of future lawyers in the universities of Great Britain. It is stated that legal education in the UK combines academic depth with a strong practical orientation. It is determined that the practical component of legal education in the UK is clearly integrated into the content of Master of Laws programmes. A distinctive feature of UK master’s programmes is the well-developed system of law clinics, which provides individually oriented practical training. It is established that universities in the UK actively integrate legal internships into the structure of master's programmes and build structured and systematic models of cooperation with law firms.

The main types of internships for Master of Laws students are described. They are long-term and short-term placements in law firms, centres, and clinics, as well as internships in research centres at universities. One of the most prominent features of the practice-oriented nature of British Master of Laws programmes is the systematic involvement of practitioners in direct student instruction. In many master’s programmes at UK universities, mentors (lawyers from leading firms) are assigned to students. It is established that universities in the United Kingdom view practical training as one of the key and effective mechanisms for developing the professional competence of future lawyers. Practice-oriented forms of future lawyers’ training are analyzed. It is concluded that the practical training of lawyers in the UK is characterised by its systematic nature, high degree of integration between theory and practice, the extensive use of innovative educational technologies, and close cooperation between higher education institutions and the professional legal community. This model ensures that graduates develop a set of competencies necessary for the effective performance of professional duties, successful passing of qualifying exams, and further activity in the modern legal system of the United Kingdom.