Qualifying as a solicitor

Riverfarset

Dear all,

Recently graduated with a 2.1 law degree in Belfast and about to complete a masters in human rights law. I am considering trying to qualify as a solicitor in the south given the great difficulty in getting into the law institute in Belfast but have little knowledge as to how things operate south of the border. How do you qualify in the south?(Do you have to gain admittance into an Institute-like system?) whats the time scale? general costs? any information would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Rhonda9000

http://www.lawsociety.ie/displayCDAContent.aspx?node=282&groupID=282&code=education

Riverfarset

Thanks for the link. Out of curiosity-how difficult/easy is it to gain a training contract? I know in the north its not that difficult to obtain one. Also what would the overall time scale/ difficulty of the process be. Trying to get a general feel for how the training operates, which might not necessarily be found in any of the official websites. Thanks again.

cycleoin

Riverfarset wrote:

Thanks for the link. Out of curiosity-how difficult/easy is it to gain a training contract? I know in the north its not that difficult to obtain one. Also what would the overall time scale/ difficulty of the process be. Trying to get a general feel for how the training operates, which might not necessarily be found in any of the official websites. Thanks again.

It can be quite difficult. A mate of mine got a first in law here but can't get an aprenticeship (though I doubt he interviews well).

Best bet is to bombard every lawfirm in dublin with an application. I know the bigger ones pick people based on their degree/cv whereas the smaller firms tend to be more inclined to take people related to them in some way or children of friend etc., it can be a very closed shop.

As I said though, target the bigger firms and hopefully the fact that your from belfast and have an outside degree might make you stand out.