The ELPC covers:

• Professional Conduct
• Solicitor’s Accounts
• Probate and Taxation
• Conveyancing

There is no examination. Attendance at all modules is compulsory.

This is a full-time blended learning course that runs for three weeks. Attendance is required onsite 2/3 days a week (may not be consecutive) and live Zoom sessions/ recorded lecture viewing 2 days a week (9am-5pm).

A laptop or other suitable device is required to access our online learning platform.

To be eligible for the Essentials of Legal Practice Course (ELPC) route to qualifying as a solicitor you must have been called to the Bar of Ireland and since then, for a minimum of three years, have:

• practised as a barrister in the State,
• served as a member of the Judiciary,
• been employed in the full-time provision of services of a legal nature, and/or
• been employed by the State full-time in the provision of services of a legal nature.

See also Section 43, Solicitors Act 1954 as substituted by s.51 Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994.

Send your letter of application in hard and soft copy to Paul Breslin (Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7) and P.Breslin@LawSociety.ie) together with the following documents:

1. Certificate of good standing while practising from two of the benchers of the Honourable Society of King’s Inns confirming the period of practice. The Bar Council can assist you with this. >If you are not a member of the Bar Council a Certificate of Good Standing from two senior lawyers will be accepted. Certificates must be dated within six months.
2. A certificate from the Registrar of the King's Inns:
   • confirming that you have attained the Barrister at Law degree
   • certifying the results of that degree
   • certifying that you have passed or were exempt from the Irish examination, and
   • certifying the date you were called to the Bar.
3. Certified copies of academic qualifications (i.e. Law Degree if obtained), listing subjects and results. This should be on the letterhead of the issuing authority and signed/stamped.
4. An up-to-date CV setting out either the history of your work at the Bar and/or as a member of the Judiciary, and/or your relevant employment history.
5. In the case of a term of employment (employed in the provision of legal services):
   • a reference from your employer confirming the period that you have been engaged under a contract of employment full-time in the provision of services of a legal nature and specifying the nature of the work done, and
   • a character reference from a solicitor outside the employing firm which verifies the work you have done.
6. Details of the office of a practising solicitor where you intend to complete your in-office period. If details are not confirmed at the application stage these will be accepted before the end of the ELPC.
7. Confirmation from the King's Inns that you have been voluntarily disbarred. You may elect to delay arranging to be disbarred until just before applying to go on the Roll of Solicitors. If you do so, this confirmation may be submitted at that stage.
8. If you are applying for an exemption or partial exemption from the 6 months in-office experience, you must set out the basis of the application and, if relevant, provide confirmation from your employer of any period worked, the experience obtained and confirmation that the work done was equivalent to that of a solicitor. See Exemption from In-office Period.
9. Fee of €120 for application to the Education Committee to be paid by EFT.

Your application will be referred to the Education Committee for a decision on whether you are eligible to attend the ELPC.

Applications for the 2025 ELPC are open until 11 June 2026 .

>The ELPC will run from Monday 24 August to Friday 11 September inclusive.

Applications for the ELPC and for Exemptions relating to the in-office period are considered by the Education Committee in July each year. Applicants are informed of the Education Committee’s decision in mid-late July.

The fee for attending the ELPC is €2,860, which is payable by EFT, in advance of the course commencing.

The Law Society recognises and values difference and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for the benefit of all and endorses the principles of inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment.

The supports you might require may depend on the stage of your training. 

• Find more information about the supports offered

Paul Breslin 

• Tel: 01 8815710
• Email: P.Breslin@LawSociety.ie
• Postal Address: Paul Breslin, Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin, D07 VY24
• DX: 79 Dublin