Professional Diploma in Professional Skills for International Lawyers (DPSIL)

Program Overview

The Professional Diploma in Professional Skills for International Lawyers (DPSIL) equips non-native English-speaking law graduates with the essential skills and knowledge for success in international legal practice. Through a blended approach of lectures, workshops, and simulations, students develop practical legal skills, legal English, and a deep understanding of international law, preparing them for a wide range of legal careers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, the Professional Diploma in Professional Skills for International Lawyers (DPSIL), is designed for law graduates from international jurisdictions whose native language is not English. The program aims to equip these graduates with the necessary transferable legal skills to excel as effective international lawyers. The DPSIL focuses on bridging the gap between academic legal knowledge and the practical skills required for international legal practice. It introduces students to the fundamental principles of English law of obligations and its enforcement within England and Wales, as well as internationally. The program emphasizes the development of practical legal skills essential for international lawyers, such as drafting, legal research, case analysis, advocacy, client interviewing, and negotiation. No prior knowledge of the English legal system is required, as the course progressively introduces students to this area.

Outline:

The DPSIL is structured into three stages:

• Foundation Stage: This stage focuses on building a foundation in legal systems, business structures, commercial awareness, and the basic principles of English law of obligations, including EU law.
It also includes English language skills practice.
• Professional Skills Stage: This stage immerses students in the practical skills of drafting (letters, legal documents, emails), legal research, case analysis, advocacy, client interviewing, and negotiation.
English language skills practice continues in this stage.
• Advanced Legal Practice Stage: This stage builds upon the skills learned in the previous stages through two short modules:
• Intellectual Property Law within the context of WIPO: This module explores intellectual property law within the framework of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Assessment:

The DPSIL utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student progress:

• Stage 1: Assessed through online multiple-choice questions.
• Stage 2: Assessed through a reflective e-portfolio, where students document their reflections on the skills learned in each session.
• Stage 3: Assessed through a Reflective Report, which builds upon the reflections from Stage 2 and applies them to the advanced skills exercises in Stage 3.
Students also consider how these skills will be transferred into their own legal practice.

Teaching:

The DPSIL employs a blended approach to teaching, combining lectures, workshops, and group work:

• Short Lecture Sessions: Led by tutors to introduce new concepts and skills.
• Workshops and Group Work: Students engage in real-life simulated problem-solving exercises, applying the skills learned in lectures.
• Reflection: Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning in each session, identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement.
• Supplementary Activities: Guest lectures and visits to court provide additional learning opportunities.

Careers:

International For the 2024/2025 academic year, the fee is £24,000.