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WILL 'RIGHTS OF AUDIENCE' AFFECT THE JOB MARKET?

Rights of Audience (RoA) for FALCD members is clearly one of the most significant developments in the costs world in recent years, and its arrival has fuelled much debate within the industry - especially among those who are not members of the Association.  

So, whilst the ALCD considers the ramifications of how to manage, control and roll out the new honours - we thought we would address the points it raises from a career perspective and look at how RoA may affect the job market.  

From the outset, it is important to recognise that there are two distinct camps – those who are members of the ALCD and those who are non-members.  

This in itself raises some important questions surrounding the benefits of membership to the Association, and whether the continuing development of the Association is a strong enough motivation for those non-members to consider joining?  

Like most things, change takes a long time to effect.   In the last 5 years the Association has evolved significantly and continues to 'bang the drum' loudly on behalf of the profession.    

Looking at the current demographic of professionals in legal costs, a significant percentage will have practised costs for 10+ years – possibly as much as 70%.

In recent years, where the Association has become more pro-active about its membership, it has had greater success attracting new members

from the less experienced sector i.e. those with less than 5 years experience as apposed to converting the more experienced generation.  

However, it is this more experienced generation outside the Association that RoA potentially affects the most.   Why should those who have practised costs for over 10+ years take examinations to become Association members?   Unfortunately, this is not the topic of debate in this article – but it does pose an interesting question.  

So, back to RoA and the impact the new legislation will have on the careers of professionals in legal costs.   At the heart of an issue like this is not so much the legislation itself but the interpretation and understanding of it by those involved in the recruitment decision making process.

Take for example, the people involved in the recruitment process - Human Resources professionals, Recruitment Agents, Costs Managers and Directors/Proprietors.

Obviously the people involved depend on the type and size of firm i.e. whether the recruitment is for an in-house role in a Law firm or for a position in a consultancy/agency.

It is these individuals, who manage the recruitment process, that determine the value RoA has to the firm and in turn to an individual’s career, and whilst I would have every confidence in the assessment of a Costs Manager or Proprietor/Director understanding the implications and value to the business – I cannot say the same for those professionals who are not directly involved in costs, but are directly involved in the recruitment decision making process.  

The challenge therefore is to educate the wider community as to the benefits of RoA to an employer.   The issue being is that these benefits are subjective, and dependant on the individual concerned, being born from their own understanding and experiences.   Education will eventually add value to costs professionals who can offer RoA as a skill and apply for vacancies, as apposed to those who cannot.  

Naturally, like most qualifications, membership of the Association is seen as a benchmark – demonstrating a level of competency and commitment to the profession.   Some would argue that they do not need a qualification to demonstrate either.  

In time, the benefits RoA delivers to an employer will become more apparent as firms look to stand out from competitors by offering RoA as an additional service.  

The long term effect is that costs professionals with RoA will become recognised as possessing a valuable skill, and the premiums for attracting these professionals will be driven by the usual supply and demand.

Author: David Sparkes

Published in: ALCD Journal (Association of Law Costs Draftsmen)

Dated: February 2007

The opinions and views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.   The author accepts no liability for error, omission or misstatement contained within the article.

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