PROGRAM
Q: What is scenario-based learning?
A: Scenario-based learning uses real-life situations to develop your legal practice skills. Instead of long lectures and volumes of material to read, you will “learn by doing”. We present real challenges that lawyers face on a daily basis and provide you with the tools to address these legal matters, helping you become job-ready.
Q: Who is the Program designed for?
A: The Program has been uniquely designed for the needs of emerging legal professionals in India – regardless of desired career path. The Legal Advancement Program will benefit anyone planning a career in Law – from working in a law firm or in-house legal department, to performing litigation or working in an LPO. Those about to graduate with an LLB, or those who have graduated within the last two years, will benefit most from the Program. Please check the minimum eligibility requirements for further details.
Q: How long is the Program?
A: The program is approximately four months, and should take up to 80 hours to complete.
Q: How much time is required to complete the Program?
A: The program is primarily self-paced, meaning you can complete the coursework whenever it’s convenient for you. On average, you should allocate at least 5 hours per week to work through the Program. You should also make every effort to join the periodic live sessions during the Program, which will run for about 1.5 hours each.
Q: What are live virtual sessions, and what will they cover?
A: These sessions allow you to interact ‘virtually’ with leading experts and students across India. Each session is designed to reinforce the topics you’re exploring in the self-paced portion of the Program, and can include such things as case studies, Q&A discussions, and short presentations.
Q: Who are the experts behind the Program and live virtual sessions?
A: The Program has been developed through collaboration with leading UK and Indian legal professionals. These experts have worked for the largest global and local law firms, and have years of experience delivering legal skills training programs. The live virtual sessions will be led by renowned legal practitioners and senior figures in Indian law – please watch our site for more details of each presenter.
LEARNING METHOD AND TECHNOLOGY
Q: How will the Program be delivered?
A: Those enrolled in the Program will receive a unique log-in to our online learning centre, where you can access the self-paced coursework and live virtual sessions. On this site you can also track your progress, get the latest Program updates, engage in discussions with other students, and access resources such as Program Help and Career Resources.
Q: What are the technology and software requirements to complete the Program?
A: You will need access to a computer with strong and reliable Internet access. Minimum operating system and browser requirements for the online learning site can be found here. You can also test if your system is equipped to handle the virtual live sessions here. Please note your computer will also need to be equipped with speakers, otherwise you’ll need headphones. Please contact Customer Service if you have any concerns or questions about the requirements listed here.
Q: What if I have lost my password to the online learning site?
A: Please go to the Legal Advancement Program log-in page and select “Forgot Your Password?”.
Q: Why do we have a Westlaw India password? What is it used for?
A: Westlaw India is our flagship online legal research service designed specifically for the Indian legal market. The site provides easy access to case law, legislation and other essential legal information in an easy-to-use interface. We provide each student with a password for the duration of the Program, and it is to be used for conducting legal research as required during the Program. For more information about Westlaw India, click here.
REGISTRATION
Q: How do I register for the Program?
A: The first step in registering for the Program is to complete the Application Form. We also encourage you to fully read the Terms & Conditions. You will then receive an email containing a Program Application Form (PAF) number and instructions for completing the Registration process.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for enrolling in the Program?
A: Details of eligibility requirements can be found here.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: We currently allow payments to be made via demand draft from your local bank OR net banking (bank transfer).
Q: Can I pay using a credit card?
A: Unfortunately we are unable to process credit card transactions at this time. Please contact Customer Service if you have any questions regarding the payment options.
Q: How long does it take to receive my log-in details?
A: Once all of the required registration materials are received, you should receive your log-in details within 5-7 working days. If you have not received your log-in details after this amount of time, please contact Customer Service.
Q: When can I access the online learning site?
A: Your username and password to the online learning site will become active two weeks prior to the start of the Program. We will send you a reminder email when the log-in details are activated, along with further instructions on getting started.
Q: When can I access Westlaw India?
A: Your Westlaw India password will be activated two weeks prior to the start of the Program. We encourage you to spend time familiarizing yourself with the service before the Program starts.
Examination & Certification
Q: When do I take the final exam?
A: The final examination is taken after the completion of the Program. You are not eligible to take the examination at any time prior to this period and you need to have completed all the modules in the Program to do so. The day of the examination will be announced at the start of the Program. You must make every effort to attend the examination at the designated time.
Q: How is the examination structured?
A: The final examination is designed to test your ability to apply the concepts and frameworks learned throughout the Program. The examination will present several real-world scenarios that will require you to complete legal tasks or make decisions on the optimal path for resolving the legal matter. This is achieved through a combination of multiple choice questions and short essays.
Q: How long is the examination?
A: The examination will last approximately 3 hours, with an optional break at the half-way point. It is a timed examination, so you must complete the examination in the allotted time.
Q: What are the requirements for taking the examination?
A: You must complete the self-paced Program in order to sit for the certification examination.
Q: What is the minimum score required to pass?
A: Your must score 50% or greater in order to pass the examination and receive the Thomson Reuters certification.
Q: What is a Distinction, and what are the requirements to achieve it?
A: A Distinction on the certification examination is achieved when you score 90% or higher. The Distinction will appear on your Thomson Reuters certificate, and will make you eligible to receive an internship (assuming other eligibility criteria are met). Visit the Alumni FAQs for further information on the benefits of achieving a Distinction.
Q: What happens if you fail the examination?
A: Those failing the examination will be allowed one retake, for a fee of Rs 1,500. Those failing the examination will not be eligible to receive a Distinction on the retake.
Q: What happens if you fail the examination twice?
A: Those failing the examination twice will no longer be eligible to receive the Certification, unless they re-purchase and complete the entire Program.
Q: What happens if I cannot take the examination at the designated day and time?
A: You must make every effort to take the certification examination during the available window. If this is not possible, please contact our Customer Service team to make alternate arrangements.
Q: What happens if I do not show up on the day of the examination?
A: If, for any reason, you did not take the final examination you must make alternate arrangements. You will also need to pay Rs 1,500 to reschedule the examination. Please contact our Customer Service team to make these arrangements.
ALUMNI BENEFITS
What benefits are provided beyond the certification?
A: Those receiving the Thomson Reuters certificate will be given access to our exclusive online Alumni community, where you can network virtually with other alumni, learn more about upcoming programs, and gain access to exclusive content and career-guidance materials. You will also be able to attend Career Advancement live virtual sessions, which are designed to help you prepare your CV, gain critical interviewing skills, and prepare for the job search. These sessions will be led by a panel of recruiters and industry experts from the top employers in India. You can also post your CV on a dedicated job board seen by top recruiters, and you can create a personal Portfolio of your best legal work to showcase your legal practice skills to employers.
Q: Can you tell me more about the Portfolio Assignment?
A: The Portfolio Assignment allows you to create legal documents such as short contracts or legal memorandums that showcase your legal practice skills to potential employers. As part of the Program fee, each student is entitled to have one legal document assessed for quality and accuracy. If it meets our strict criteria it will be posted for potential employers to access. More information on this is provided once you enrol in the Program.
Q: Can you tell me more about internship assistance?
A: Assistance with securing an internship will be offered to those achieving a Distinction on the final examination (and meeting our other eligibility criteria). This assistance will provide the student with an opportunity to interview with a prestigious legal organization. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that internship opportunities will be available in your desired location or practice area.
MORE ABOUT THOMSON REUTERS
Q: What does Thomson Reuters do?
A: Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We provide information and other services to legal, tax, accounting, financial, and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries worldwide. Our customers represent the largest global law firms, banks, accounting firms, and corporations.
Q: What is Thomson Reuters’ position in India?
A: Thomson Reuters has a long history in India. Most people know Thomson Reuters for its media and financial data businesses; however, we have a significant footprint in the legal domain. Our flagship online research product, Westlaw India, is used by the top law firms, Universities, and institutions in India. We also publish Sweet & Maxwell print materials, which you have probably used during your legal studies.
Q: Where can I learn more about Thomson Reuters and Westlaw India?
A: Please visit the Thomson Reuters website at www.thomsonreuters.com. You can also learn more about Westlaw India at www.westlawindia.com.