Solicitor / Barrister

As a Solicitor or Barrister you provide expert legal advice to clients and represent their interests across a wide range of legal matters, from conveyancing and family law to criminal defence and commercial litigation. Solicitors typically work directly with clients, drafting contracts, managing legal files, and instructing barristers to appear in the higher courts, while barristers specialise in court advocacy and the provision of specialist legal opinions, known as counsel. You research and interpret legislation and case law, compile legal documents, and present well-reasoned arguments on behalf of those you represent. Your work brings you into contact with clients, fellow legal professionals, judges, court staff, and professionals in areas such as finance, property, and healthcare. Upholding strict standards of confidentiality and professional ethics is central to both branches of the legal profession in Ireland.

A strong Leaving Certificate with subjects such as English, History, and a modern language is beneficial for entry to a law degree. Most solicitors complete an NFQ Level 8 honours bachelor's degree in law (LLB or BCL) at a university such as UCD, TCD, UCC, University of Galway, DCU, or UL, before sitting the Law Society's FE1 examinations and undertaking a two-year professional training contract (apprenticeship with the Law Society). Graduates from non-law disciplines may also enter through a conversion pathway. Barristers typically complete a law degree followed by the Barrister-at-Law degree at the Honorable Society of King's Inns in Dublin, or the equivalent at the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland, before being called to the Bar. Both branches of the profession require registration with their respective regulatory bodies: the Law Society of Ireland for solicitors and the Bar of Ireland for barristers. Many practitioners also pursue postgraduate specialisation at NFQ Level 9, such as an LLM in areas like commercial law, human rights, or tax law.