City firm Nabarro makes the first move, selecting BPP as GDL and LPC provider in wake of Kaplan’s withdrawal from market next year
Property specialist law firm Nabrarro revealed this week that BPP Law School will be the official legal education provider for its trainees. It is understood that the switch has already taken place, with the firm’s wannabe lawyers moving to BPP at the beginning of this month.
The deal involving the London Wall-based practice follows last month’s announcement that Kaplan Law School was to close its doors from the end of next year.
The provider — which was founded in 2007 in a deal where it offered Nottingham Law School courses in London — cited the changing face of legal education as part of its decision not to invest in traditional routes to legal qualification.
The demise of Kaplan — which ditched its Bar Professional Training Course back in September last year — has left the University of Law (ULaw) and BPP rubbing their hands in delight.
Last month, elite New York-based firm Shearman & Sterling — which had been with Kaplan — struck a deal with ULaw to provide the Legal Practice Course for its London trainees. In retrospect, the move has triggered speculation that Shearman was aware all was not well at Kaplan, and therefore opted to send its 17 trainees to Europe’s largest law school.
However, according to a report in Bebo-style law firm partners message board Roll on Friday, Nabarro — which offers around 25 training contracts annually — is the first firm to show its hand since the closure of Kaplan’s law courses was confirmed (the institution will continue offering courses in other disciplines).
So, then — first blood to BPP.
Previously:
Kaplan Law School to close [Legal Cheek]