Each year the Law Society receives approximately 85 applications for funding, and about 80% are successful.
Chair of the Law Society’s Education Committee, Richard Hammond SC, said the Law Society is proud of the programme which helps promote greater diversity which is vital in helping to build a legal profession that reflects the diversity of the society it serves.
“Since 2001, over 300 students have benefited from the programme, with one in four of these being from countries other than Ireland.
“Many recipients are now successfully practising in a wide range of legal positions including as in-house solicitors, within top commercial law firms and as sole practitioners,” he said.
One lawyer’s route into law
Mariam Olusoji qualified as a solicitor with the Law Society in December 2020.
However, even with several degrees under her belt and already a qualified lawyer at home in Nigeria, becoming a solicitor in Ireland was not straightforward.
It wasn’t until 2017, after Olusoji had already passed her FE-1 exams that she first heard of the access route.
Olusoji was living in Cork with her family when she was granted funding.
She credits this as a key factor to her qualifying as a solicitor in Ireland.
“My experience with the access programme was extremely positive. The grant provided me with practical supports and peace of mind. I started to feel a sense of belonging and security thanks to the Law Society,” said Olusoji, who now works remotely for Robinson Solicitors, Dublin 7.
“The access programme paid for my Professional Practice Course (PPC) 1 and PPC 2 course fees and offered me free accommodation at the Law Society during my first days in Dublin,” she explained.
“It also provided a maintenance fee for living costs while studying, for which I was very grateful.”
“I was lucky to find a room to rent in Dublin during this time, but I am a mother to four boys who were at home in Fermoy so I couldn’t stay in Dublin full-time. Each weekend I travelled back home and would return to Dublin on Sunday night. I don’t think I would have been able to do this if it wasn’t for the support of the Law Society.”
Who should apply?
The programme is open to everyone and there is no age restriction on applicants.
Commonly, applicants feel that, but for the financial assistance, they would not be in a position to train as a solicitor.
“This feeling can be due to a lack of financial resources among other reasons,” explained Hammond.
Mariam Olusoji said: ”I have a passion for learning and a love for law. I love what I do.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor who needs support from the programme to apply.
“The journey might seem difficult, but with the Law Society’s help, your hard work now will be worth it in your future.”
Apply now
The Law Society’s access programme accepts applications twice a year.
The next deadline for applications is Wednesday, 1 June 2022.