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Wannabe solicitor - business student

  • 24-03-2010 11:43pm
    #1
    littletony
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24 ✭


    hi,

    I am studying business in college but now realise that i want to be a solicitor have i got a chance. my grades are pretty bad 40, 50, 60 % because i hate the course. I want to become a solicitor so is there any firms that would take on a business graduae and if so would i have to complete any other course except for professional exams.

    I can major in fnace or accounting but the only law subjects i can pick are company law .... not much good.

    Could someone tell me i am mislead by the image of lawyers in american dramas with all the exciting and interesting cases, does that kind of thing exist in ireland or is it really just wills and small time district court hearings.

    Sarah


Comments

  • #2
    NOIMAGINATION
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 72 ✭✭NOIMAGINATION


    Well, I dont know what your chances are, as I'm studying Law myself and I know its extremely competitive - however your vision of the american lawyer definitely doesn't suit solicitor in ireland - for one thing solicitors don't argue cases in courts - you do all the background research but not the actual arguing.

    Oh and yes it doesn't matter what subject you study at undergrad - you don't have to study law to become a solicitor


  • #3
    johnfás
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,342 ✭✭✭johnfás


    1. You don't have to study law for your undergraduate degree to become a solicitor. This is true both in regard to the regulatory requirements for becoming a solicitor and also practically in terms of one's ability to secure a trainee position. I am a non law graduate (though I have studied alot of law since my undergraduate degree) and I have a trainee contract offer.

    2. Company law is very important. One would assume as part of your business degree you are also considering issues relating to contract law. These are invaluable, particularly if you have a general interest in business and decide you want a career in corporate law - not so useful if you want to become a criminal lawyer of course.

    3. However, as stated above, entry to the profession is incredibly competitive and increasingly so. I don't wish to sound harsh, but I say this with the best of intentions, if you do not excel in your non law subject you will struggle to progress in the legal profession. While it is true that there is no requirement to have studied law at undergraduate level, any potential employer is going to raise the issue with you. Therefore you are going to have to justify your place as a lawyer, or potential lawyer. Arguing that you didn't like your primary degree and the law is more suited to you will not cut it. If you wish to progress from a business degree to the law your narrative has got to be, I studied business, I did well and I learnt these skills. These skills are equally important to a career in law.


  • #4
    Tester46
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 557 ✭✭✭Tester46


    NOIMAGINATION wrote: »
    however your vision of the american lawyer definitely doesn't suit solicitor in ireland - for one thing solicitors don't argue cases in courts - you do all the background research but not the actual arguing.

    I don't want to go off topic, but this is simply incorrect. Solicitors can and do argue cases in all the courts, all the time. So, if your heart is set on appearing in court, don't worry, you can do that as a solicitor.

    Oh, and real life is never as amazing and exciting as a slick Amercian drama. You think the average country GP's life is like Grey's Anatomy? Don't go into law cuz you saw some cool stuff on the TV, you'll be seriously disappointed :)


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