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Training Contracts and PPC I and II fees

  • 17-02-2016 04:10PM
    #1
    Scandixx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9 ✭


    Hi,

    I have started my training contract in a small firm while finishing my FE1s. I was under the impression when I took the job that the firm was obliged to pay my Blackhall fees if I was earning minimum wage, which i am.

    I have since found out that they are not obliged to pay them and they don't! I am struggling living in Dublin with rent and bills on minimum wage, without the added stress of paying back a loan for fees!

    Should I attempt to get a training contract else where once I finish my exams or is this fairly standard?

    Also I was more interested in being a barrister when in college and feel as though I would eventually like to go that path. Should I just apply to Kings Inn instead as this is what I really want and I will still have debt qualifying as a solicitor?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated


Comments

  • #2
    Dandelion6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,405 ✭✭✭Dandelion6


    Scandixx wrote: »

    Should I attempt to get a training contract else where once I finish my exams or is this fairly standard?

    Fairly standard unless you're in a big firm. Plenty of small firms don't even pay wages while you're in Blackhall (which is illegal but goes on all the time).

    You may be eligible for some sort of grant from SUSI.


  • #3
    Sala
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,494 ✭✭✭Sala


    When I started many people were working their whole training contracts with no pay, but thankfully that seems to be improving. Many firms do not pay fees although they should pay you while on PPC1 (not full rate, the rates are lower).

    Look for a new training contract that will pay fees or negotiate with your firm (i.e. can they pay and you pay it back out of wages over time or something?).
    There are grants, but the Law Society also has a bursary programme and an access programme (if eligible). The DSBA has a bursary I think so contact them as well.

    If you are considering Kings Inn mainly because of money... don't. You will end up in a lot more debt as it so hard to make a living as a barrister and you'll be earning little to nothing for years potentially.


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