Best Learning Programme

For the firm whose development programmes combine a clear analysis of training and education needs with innovative interventions focused on business success and personal learning.

2005 WINNER

Viola Joseph, Claire Line and Susan Whitehead of Lovells with David Constantine of ALA

Lovell’s innovative replication of on-the-job experience in a structured, real-time setting is a commendable and leading edge approach to training. Practising lawyers learn more effectively when their training is relevant, timely and supported by senior practitioners who are able to offer practical feedback and guidance. TransAct successfully combines the necessary elements to achieve this. Lovells’ commitment to investment is significant and impressive, and is evident in setting up the simulations, in providing the senior practitioner support in delivery, and in the time and attention given to comparative and targeted feedback with advice on how to improve performance and where to seek further guidance and support.

The firm will no doubt benefit from the team-building and teamwork generated as a result of participating in the programme, and should also benefit commercially from the greater consistency and professionalism that it will encourage. I believe that this submission best demonstrates a clear analysis of training and education needs, and combines it with innovative interventions focused on business success and personal learning.

RUNNER UP

DLA Piper’s submission demonstrates an admirable breadth and depth of training needs analysis across practice area, geographical and developmental dimensions. The consequential supporting programmes are then designed to support commercial, cultural and operational objectives. Even if the content and delivery of the individual programmes is not innovative, their extent and the articulation of the intended links among the dimensions and objectives are unusual. This reflects the firm’s willingness to invest in serious training and to commit to it, rather than merely pay lip service.

DLA Piper’s recent commercial success might be attributed to many and varied causes, but its dedication to training as a support for professional development and cultural change will undoubtedly have made a significant contribution.

2005 FINALISTS

Runner up

Shortlisted

2005 SPONSOR

The Association of Legal Administrators is the premier management resource for the legal profession. It is the largest international association providing support to professionals involved in the management of law firms and corporate legal departments. ALA represents legal administrators and managers who are thought leaders and industry experts on legal management issues such as finance, human resources, systems and technology, marketing and practice management. ALA provides high-quality educational opportunities and services to more than 9,600 members in 27 countries.