PPC trainees, as well as a number of solicitors and guests, recently took part in the Street Law programme’s annual orientation weekend.

Street Law is an initiative that places trainee solicitors studying at the Law Society of Ireland in local schools, prisons, and community settings to teach about law.

Dr Sean Arthurs (small picture), a US-based human-rights lawyer and international legal-education consultant, led the weekend.

He was assisted by PPC Course Manager John Lunney, who runs the Law Society programme, and Dr Brónagh Heverin from Atlantic Technological University.

2021 trainees return

Over the weekend, 36 trainees engaged with multiple law-based activities, learned about best practice in teaching and learning, and had the opportunity to design and teach their own practice class.

One of the weekend highlights was the return of 2021 trainees Alana Shortt (LK Shields), Luke McGivern (A&L Goodbody), Sarah Kildea (A&L Goodbody), and Saskia Kirrane (Matheson), who returned to showcase the original lessons they developed and taught in schools last year.

The intensive weekend training prepares the trainees for their upcoming school placements, where they teach a six-week law programme to Transition Year students in DEIS schools in the local community.