Career Advice

The Law Society offers several forms of career support for trainee solicitors.

  • The Traineeship Team provides support with all issues relating to training contracts. Ian Ryan and Mary Walker in the Traineeship Team assist with matters such as optimising apprenticeship work experience, organising secondments or claiming work credits.

  • Student Development Services (SDS) supports trainees while they are attending Professional practice courses. SDS can assist in the organising of adapted exams and study management arrangements. SDS also provides a counselling service - contact studentadvisor@lawsociety.ie.

  • The Law Society Career Support service is also available to trainees regarding post-qualification matters. Shane Farrell can assist trainees with career matters that will affect them after qualification - contact careers@lawsociety.ie.

Information leaflets 

Detailed information leaflets focused on trainee solicitors and the challenges they face can be accessed through the links below:

CV Preparation

Advice on producing a good CV and avoiding common mistakes – with several sample documents provided – is available in the leaflet Information for Trainee Solicitors on CV Preparation.

Covering Letters and Application Forms

Advice on drafting an application letter (including sample letters) and completing an application form is available in the leaflet Information for Trainee Solicitors on Covering Letters and Application Forms.

Speculative Letters

Advice on drafting a speculative letter to pro-actively identify work opportunities is available in the leaflet Information for Trainee Solicitors on Speculative Letters.  

Interviews

Advice on preparing for and performing well at interviews is available in the leaflet Information for Trainee Solicitors on Interviews

Videos

Information on Working In-house

Alison Bradshaw on Working in Financial Services