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In-office period for barristers
On completion of the ELPC you may be obliged to spend up to 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.
You are required to provide details of the solicitor with whom you will gain this in-office experience in your application for the ELPC.
This six-month requirement may be waived or modified on the basis of prior experience in a solicitor’s office or in-house under the supervision of a solicitor. This is a matter for the Education Committee . See application for exemption.
On completion of your in-office period, you must submit a letter from the practice confirming:
- the period worked,
- whether it was full time,
- the experience obtained, and
- whether the work done was equivalent to that of a solicitor.
The Education Committee may grant a full or partial exemption from the six-month in-office period on the basis of your prior experience of work on legal matters in a solicitor’s office or in-house under the supervision of a solicitor.
If you wish to apply for a full or partial exemption from the 6-month in-office requirement, you must state this in your initial application for the ELPC and you must set out the basis of this application. You must also provide confirmation from your employer(s):
- of any period worked, and
- of the experience obtained, and
- that the work done was equivalent to that of a solicitor.
You will have an interview with Dr Hession on the nature of your work experience in support of your application. This interview will be by telephone.
Applications for a full or partial exemption from the six-month in-office period are considered by the Education Committee.
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.
Dr. Rachael Hession
- Tel: 01 8815707
- Email: R.Hession@LawSociety.ie
- Postal Address: Dr Rachael Hession, Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin, D07 VY24
- DX: 79 Dublin