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Advice on becoming a solicitor

  • 28-09-2018 12:32am
    #1
    Krmca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 ✭


    Hi there,

    Just wondering if anyone could tell me the step by step process of becoming a solicitor in Ireland in terms of all the courses and exams I’ll have to do before I’m actually able to work. I’m hoping to study Law and French in UCC which I know is a 4 year degree, but I’ve seen people reference other exams and courses necessary outside of this. Can I work using my degree straight out of college?

    I believe you’re required to do a two year apprenticeship/training as part of becoming a solicitor, and I was wondering if it’s possible to do that apprenticeship in the UK? Will I be able to use an Irish law degree over there if I move there or is there other steps I’ll have to take in order to do that?

    Thanks a million!


Comments

  • #2
    claiomh solais
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 140 ✭✭claiomh solais


    In Ireland the process is as follows:

    Once you graduate from your Law Degree (or any level 8 degree) you can then sit the FE-1s.

    The FE-1s are 8 law exams that run every spring and in October every year. You have to pass at least three first time and then you can do the rest at your pace.

    You also need to secure a Training Contract with a law firm. You can do this while you are still in college, when you're doing your FE-1s or after.

    After you complete the FE-1s, you can then officially commence your solicitor training. You have to train with the firm for basically two years. In that time you will also complete the PPC1 (6 months full time study + exams) and the PPC2 (about 3 months full time study + exams).

    Then you are enrolled in the state as a solicitor. You can then apply to practice in England and Wales too. There's no additional exams or study required for this.

    You can basically skip the FE-1s if you get a training contract in a UK firm, you can start the training contract straight away? as far as I know they do not have an FE-1 equivalent. If you are going to UK your Law Degree should be alright. I know some trinity grads who went over to london instead of the irish firms.

    EDIT: You can learn more here: https://www.lawsociety.ie/Public/Become-a-Solicitor/


  • #3
    Krmca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 ✭Krmca


    claiomh solais wrote: »
    In Ireland the process is as follows:

    Once you graduate from your Law Degree (or any level 8 degree) you can then sit the FE-1s.

    The FE-1s are 8 law exams that run every spring and in October every year. You have to pass at least three first time and then you can do the rest at your pace.

    You also need to secure a Training Contract with a law firm. You can do this while you are still in college, when you're doing your FE-1s or after.

    After you complete the FE-1s, you can then officially commence your solicitor training. You have to train with the firm for basically two years. In that time you will also complete the PPC1 (6 months full time study + exams) and the PPC2 (about 3 months full time study + exams).

    Then you are enrolled in the state as a solicitor. You can then apply to practice in England and Wales too. There's no additional exams or study required for this.

    You can basically skip the FE-1s if you get a training contract in a UK firm, you can start the training contract straight away? as far as I know they do not have an FE-1 equivalent. If you are going to UK your Law Degree should be alright. I know some trinity grads who went over to london instead of the irish firms.

    EDIT: You can learn more here: https://www.lawsociety.ie/Public/Become-a-Solicitor/

    Ahh okay brilliant this is a lot less complicated than I thought thanks so much for explaining!


  • #4
    4ensic15
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,691 ✭✭✭4ensic15


    claiomh solais wrote: »

    Then you are enrolled in the state as a solicitor. You can then apply to practice in England and Wales too. There's no additional exams or study required for this.


    EDIT: You can learn more here: https://www.lawsociety.ie/Public/Become-a-Solicitor/

    What about QLTT.


  • #5
    claiomh solais
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 140 ✭✭claiomh solais


    4ensic15 wrote: »
    What about QLTT.

    That's for EU and nonEU lawyers, but England and Wales Lawyers wouldn't have to do this (England and Wales lawyers just apply and pay the fee).

    Most of the continental EU (and the world) uses some form of Civil Law, which is different to our Common Law system, which is practiced in Ireland, England and Wales.

    I don't know much about how to become an Irish lawyer if you've qualified on the continent, but I'm not surprised if they need to do further exams to prove they know and understand Irish law.


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