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08 September 2011 / Bryan Greetham
Issue: 7480 / Categories: Features , Training & education , Profession
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Think for yourself

Bryan Greetham emphasises the importance of encouraging original thought through legal training

The most valuable assets in any law firm are its intellectual assets: the imagination and thinking skills of its employees. For this reason successful firms work hard to recruit graduates who can think for themselves; who can generate original ideas, challenge received opinions, analyse complex arguments, think conceptually and play devil’s advocate. But over recent years finding these graduates has become increasingly difficult.

Critical thinking

Beneath the superficial gloss of every university’s proud boast that it prepares law students to be innovative, creative thinkers, the picture appears quite different. Recently, a young law teacher at a UK university was told by his course leader to change his teaching style. His students had complained. Apparently, he had been asking them “to think too hard”, rather than “simply giving them the answers”.

Competition for students

As more universities compete for students, each one knows that to attract applicants it must be able to show that its graduates achieve consistently higher grades

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
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