Why starting PREP earlier will improve productivity at your firm

Change can be scary, but change can also be an exciting opportunity for growth and transformation. June 2020 the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED) will be launching the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP), the new Bar admission program for Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.

PREP is built on best practices from around the world and delivers practical skills and competencies in a consistent integrated approach that combines interactive, transactional learning and simulation in four distant phases.

In the first phase of the program, the Foundation Modules are online modules that combine self-directed study and interactive assessments with multimedia learning to provide a foundation in all the CPLED competencies. The modules offer students the opportunity to develop and assess their skills, building a strong foundation from which to tackle the increasing complexity of PREP and work during their article.

Traditionally many students begin articling at their firm in late July or early August. Feedback CPLED has received from PREP pilot students is that they wish they would have had the opportunity to work through the Foundation Modules and develop their skills in areas such as legal drafting before they’re expected to perform them at their firm. “By getting a head start on learning the necessary competencies for legal practice, articling students will be better prepared and more effective for their firm,” says Dr. Kara Mitchelmore, CEO of CPLED.

“We have heard from a few firms that they will sequester students in early June to allow them time to work through the Foundation Modules, before commencing work at the firm. This will help to reduce conflicts for many students between firm work and their PREP studies in the early days of their articling position while also allowing them to be more productive and efficient,” says Dr. Mitchelmore. CPLED is not requiring firms to take this approach but sharing an option that could help reduce student stress and increase productivity.   

Beginning an articling position and Bar admission program at the same time can be stressful for students; and for that reason, CPLED has created a flexible schedule where students can begin the program anytime between June 1 and 30. “We encourage all students to begin the program as soon as possible to better prepare them for work at their firm and to reduce unnecessary stress,” says Dr. Mitchelmore.