40 Legal Practice Course (LPC) courses delivered Live Online

Understanding and applying the rules on means assessment and providing the right evidence can be difficult given the many various circumstances that must be accounted for with each client. This course will discuss the key aspects of the LAA’s Means Assessment guidance, with discussions on topics such as whose resources should be considered; rules on income, deductions, and capital; evidence requirements - and common errors that are made; rules on allowances (e.g. subject matter of dispute; and how to find and interpret guidance for less common circumstances (e.g. self-employed clients). Means Assessment Guidance is often the same for controlled work and licensed work, but there are some subtle differences on occasion, and the course will highlight some of the main differences in rules. Target Audience This course is aimed at anyone involved in making civil legal aid applications or assessing civil legal help work for financial eligibility. Resources Course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Steve Keeling, Consultant, DG Legal Steve joined DG Legal after leaving the Legal Aid Agency in August 2016. In his 17 years at the LAA, he worked in the audit team as both auditor and manager and was a Contract Manager for several years. Steve is also a certified SQM auditor and undertakes audits on behalf of Recognising Excellence as well as running training sessions for the SQM Audit Team periodically.

This half day online course will assist candidates in preparing for the forthcoming initial Casework Assistant exam.

The COLP role goes beyond just ensuring your firm follows the rules in the SRA Standards and Regulations, it also comes with a personal accountability factor that demands your attention. Fear not! This 3 hour course will usher you through the intricacies of being a COLP, ensuring you not only meet but excel in your regulatory obligations.  The course will cover: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the Framework for COLPs Dive into the intricate regulatory framework that Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) operate under. Shouldering the Responsibility: Unpacking the Duties of a COLP Explore the multifaceted responsibilities that come with the role of a COLP. Choosing the Right Leader: Identifying the Ideal COLP Candidate Learn the criteria for selecting the most suitable individual to take on the crucial role of COLP. Cracking the Codes: Key Elements of Codes and SRA Principles Delve into the essential components of the Codes and SRA Principles that form the backbone of legal compliance. Building a Robust Foundation: Understanding Compliance Systems for All Firms Explore the concept of compliance systems, what they entail, and why every firm should have one in place. Reporting Matters: Recognising 'Serious' Issues, SRA Enforcement Strategy, and Reporting Protocols Uncover the definition of 'serious' matters, grasp the SRA Enforcement Strategy, and gain practical insights on making effective reports to the SRA. Paper Trails Matter: Effective Record Keeping, Including Non-material Breaches Master the art of comprehensive record-keeping, including strategies for recording non-material breaches, and understand why it's integral to compliance. Personal Liability: Understanding and Mitigating Risks Navigate the landscape of personal liability for COLPs and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. Staying Ahead: Keeping Abreast of Regulatory Changes and Guidance Develop effective strategies for staying up to date with dynamic regulatory changes and evolving guidance. Planning for Compliance: Crafting a Robust Strategy, Assessing Risk, and File Reviewing Formulate a comprehensive plan for tackling compliance, including risk assessment, maintaining risk registers, and implementing effective file reviewing. Across the Board: Legal and Regulatory Compliance Areas Every COLP Must Master Gain a high-level overview of crucial legal and regulatory compliance areas, including AML, transparency rules, and other pivotal aspects that demand the attention of all COLPs. Target Audience This online course is suitable for those new to the COLP role, or those supporting the COLP and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

As a legal aid provider, audits are an inevitable part of maintaining compliance with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements. This comprehensive training course will guide new and existing civil Legal Aid providers through the full range of audit types conducted by the LAA, detailing: What each audit involves How frequently audits occur Potential consequences of non-compliance All providers should expect this visit annually as a minimum. We will break down what is covered, including: Staff supervision and qualifications File sampling and review Payments on account KPI performance and management data You will also learn how the LAA uses your claims data and Provider Activity Report to identify areas for scrutiny and how to proactively address them. The course will also include: Peer Review: Strategies to improve your outcomes Core Testing Audits Costs Assessment Audits & Targeted File Reviews Appeals Process: What to do if you need to challenge findings Target Audience Whether you are preparing for your first civil LAA audit or refining your approach, this session offers practical insights to help you stay compliant and confident. Resources Course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Steve Keeling, Consultant, DG Legal Steve joined DG Legal after leaving the Legal Aid Agency in August 2016. In his 17 years at the LAA, he worked in the audit team as both auditor and manager and was a Contract Manager for several years. Steve is also a certified SQM auditor and undertakes audits on behalf of Recognising Excellence as well as running training sessions for the SQM Audit Team periodically.

The LAA operates a strict compliance regime when it comes to auditing crime lower bills, and mistakes can often result in a Contract Notice, corrective action, and further follow-up activity within 6 months. This course will take you through the various aspects of crime lower billing, with discussions on topics such as what is and is not claimable; how you apply series of offences guidance; what evidence is required to claim a trial fee when a matter is discontinued; how do the LAA audit travel and other disbursement claims (including the rules when instructing an agent); and what evidence must be present on files to avoid any issues on audit. Key aspects of the Crime Contract, Criminal Bills Assessment Manual and Codes Guidance will be included, along with a discussion of common errors that are made; and how to claim non-standard and escape fee matters. Target Audience This online course is aimed at anyone involved in billing Legal Aid Police Station and Magistrates Court matters or managing an LAA Crime Contract. Resources Course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Steve Keeling, Consultant, DG Legal Steve joined DG Legal after leaving the Legal Aid Agency in August 2016. In his 17 years at the LAA, he worked in the audit team as both auditor and manager and was a Contract Manager for several years. Steve is also a certified SQM auditor and undertakes audits on behalf of Recognising Excellence as well as running training sessions for the SQM Audit Team periodically.

The LAA operates a strict compliance regime when it comes to auditing family controlled work matters, and mistakes can often result in a Contract Notice, corrective action, and further follow-up activity within 6 months. This course will discuss the various aspects of family controlled work billing, with discussions on topics such as how to bill private law, public law, and help with mediation matters; how to evidence whether substantive negotiations and a settlement have taken place in private law matters; how do the LAA audit travel and other disbursement claims; what evidence must be present on files to avoid any issues on audit – including scope, gateway evidence, and forms/evidence of means (rules on evidence of means will be included in brief, however, a separate, more in-depth Civil Means Assessment Guidance Course is available); and the rules on claiming separate matters and escape fees. Key aspects of the Civil Contract and associated LAA Guidance (including the Codes Guidance) will be included, along with a discussion of common errors that are made. Target Audience This online course is aimed at anyone involved in billing Family Controlled Work matters or managing an LAA Family Contract. Resources Course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Steve Keeling, Consultant, DG Legal Steve joined DG Legal after leaving the Legal Aid Agency in August 2016. In his 17 years at the LAA, he worked in the audit team as both auditor and manager and was a Contract Manager for several years. Steve is also a certified SQM auditor and undertakes audits on behalf of Recognising Excellence as well as running training sessions for the SQM Audit Team periodically.

Are you doing sanction checks in your law firm? In the intricate landscape of legal practice, understanding and adhering to the UK's sanctions regime is not just a recommendation; it is mandatory and it is imperative. This course aims to set clear expectations and offer practical support to firms, guiding them away from the pitfalls of breaching the UK's sanctions regime. This course will cover: What are sanctions What do you need to know about the sanctions for your firm How is it different to the AML regime? What controls to put in place? If the firm offers services to sanction areas – what controls? My client has been sanctioned – what do I do? Reporting obligations Using screening tools Licensing How does this impact Legal Professional Privilege? Sanction Risk Assessment Red flags factors Enforcement actions Target Audience This course is for all legal firms, irrespective of the services provided. Whether you are navigating the sanctions regime independently or operating under a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), this course is for you. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

All organizations have policies and procedures that guide how decisions are made and how the work is done in that organization. Professionally written policies and procedures increase organizational accountability and transparency and are fundamental to quality/standards assurance and quality improvement.

This one day online course will assist candidates in preparing for the forthcoming initial Senior Caseworker exam.

Legionella Responsible Person Online is suitable for any persons wanting to gain an understanding of Legionella and how to prevent or control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.