Barristers qualified in Ireland becoming a solicitor
Barristers can transfer to become solicitors without the necessity of undergoing the full training programme prescribed for trainee solicitors - per Section 51 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act, 1994.
The Society's procedures here derive mainly from the provisions of Regulation 16 of S.I. No. 102 of 1995.
Who is eligible to benefit under the section?
- A person who has been called to the Bar of Ireland and is practising in the State for a period of three years, or
- A person who has been called to the Bar of Ireland and has been a member of the Judiciary for three years, or
- A person who has been called to the Bar of Ireland and has worked in a contract of employment in the provision of services of a legal nature for three years, or
- A person who has been called to the Bar of Ireland and has been employed by the State in the provision of services of a legal nature for three years.
What is required of the applicant?
- Obtain from two of the benchers of the Honorable Society of King's Inns a Certificate of being in Good Standing while practising. (This is a regulatory requirement and cannot be opted out of).
- Submit an up-to-date CV setting out either the history of their employment, or the history of their work at the Bar. (In the case of a term of employment, supporting references from the applicant's employers must be furnished with the application.)
- Submit certified copies of their academic qualifications ie Degree of BL from King's Inns and Law Degree if obtained, (listing subjects studied).
- Supply proof that they have passed or been exempted from an Irish language examination as prescribed under Section 3 of the Legal Practitioners (Qualification) Act, 1929.
- Procure themselves to be disbarred. (This can be done just before applying to go on the Roll of Solicitors.)
On receipt of the above documentation, the applicant may be called for interview by representatives of the Law Society's Law School.
Six Months Experience
The applicant may be obliged to spend at least six months in the office of a practising solicitor, for the purpose of receiving due instruction and obtaining experience in the practice and profession of a solicitor.
At the end of this time, applicants should supply a letter from the solicitor confirming attendance and detailing the experience obtained. (This six month requirement may, in exceptional circumstances, be waived - this is a matter for the interviewing panel and the Education Committee.)
Essentials of Legal Practice course
Upon successful completion of the interview, the applicant will be invited to attend the Essentials of Legal Practice course, at its next sitting. This course for 2010 takes place in July between 5th and 23rd Inclusive. Details of the 2011 course will be released in early 2011. The course covers Professional Practice, Conduct and Management, Conveyancing and Probate/Taxation modules. The course is attendance based and the fee for the 2010 ELPC is €2,800. For more details, email us.
Applications to Education Committee
Completed applications should be sent to Michelle Nolan at the Law School. A fee of €75 applies. You need to submit your papers and have been interviewed at least two weeks before the Education Committee applications closing date.
Note: The Education Committee meets approximately 10 times annually. To ensure your application is heard in time for the annual ELPC you should submit all documentation to Michelle Nolan no later than the last week in April in any given year.
See dates of Education Committee Meetings.
Further Information
Further details may be obtained from the Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7.
Tel: 016724802
Fax: 01 672 4992
E-mail: m.nolan@lawsociety.ie