Consultation on Draft Competency Framework for Entry to Practice
The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking your input on a draft Competency Framework for Entry to Practice, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours expected of newly called lawyers in our province.
This framework is intended to replace the existing Articling Skills and Experience Checklist and will guide the education, supervision, and assessment of students-at-law. It is a foundational element in our efforts to ensure that newly called lawyers are prepared to practise law ethically and competently.
We are now entering the consultation phase and would greatly value your feedback on the draft. In particular, we invite you to consider the following questions:
- Do these competencies reflect what we expect of a newly called lawyer?
- Are there any gaps or unnecessary overlaps?
- Is the language clear, specific, and accessible?
The draft framework includes ten domains of competence, each broken down into specific, assessable components. These are:
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Communication
- Managing Professional Relationships
- Truth and Reconciliation
- Critical Thinking and Legal Analysis
- Advice and Advocacy
- Litigation and Transactional Skills
- Practice Management
- Knowledge of the Law
- Fostering Well-Being
A copy of the draft framework and the existing Articling Skills and Experience checklist are linked below for your review.
Please submit any comments by May 16, 2025, to Christian Hurley at churley@lsnl.ca. Feedback will be reviewed by the Education Committee and used to inform revisions before the framework is submitted for approval by Benchers.
Thank you in advance for your time and contributions to this important initiative. Your perspective is vital to ensuring the framework reflects the needs and realities of the profession and those it serves.
Posted: April 9, 2025