Competency-Based Learning
In contrast to traditional bar admission courses and law schools, the CPLED Program uses a competency based evaluation system. A competency based approach to evaluation stresses the ability to demonstrate the skills required of an entry-level general practitioner, rather than being able to achieve a particular grade on an exam or meet certain target hours of work.
What does it mean to be “Competent”?
As members of the legal profession, lawyers are held to a high standard. The
public trusts that lawyers will not only know the law, but will have the
skills and practical knowledge and experience to help them resolve or work
through their issues and problems. A competent entry-level general practitioner
should be able to meet this expectation.
To ensure consistent standards across the three provinces, the CPLED Program is based on a competency profile for an entry level practitioner. This profile is based on the definition of competency found in the Codes of Professional Conduct of the Law Societies.
- Alberta - www.lawsocietyalberta.com/lawyers/regulations/code.aspx
- Saskatchewan - www.lawsociety.sk.ca/newlook/Publications/publications.htm
- Manitoba - www.lawsociety.mb.ca/for-lawyers/professional-conduct
A competency is a skill or ability which encompasses substantive knowledge, practical experience and the ability to apply that to a real life work related task. Students participating in the CPLED Program must demonstrate competency in the following four areas:
- Lawyering skills
- Practice and management skills
- Ethics and professionalism
- Legal knowledge
