Call for fresh qualification routes in North
A report from the Law Society of Northern Ireland has found strong support for measures to make the solicitor profession more accessible.
The report followed a consultation process with interested parties on training and qualification pathways that took place over the past year.
The Consultation Report on Enhancing Access to the Profession found that 80% of those who responded opposed maintaining the current system.
There was strong support for part-time/hybrid qualification routes, modern solicitor apprenticeships, returner programmes, and experience-based entry routes.
‘Incremental’ change
“More mixed views were expressed in relation to proposals such as replacing indentures with training contracts at approved training firms, extending or resequencing in-office training, and removing the formal training contract altogether,” the report stated.
It added that there was also a “clear recognition” that reform must be incremental and carefully managed to preserve standards, support smaller firms, and safeguard public trust.
The report’s recommendations include:
- Introducing a part-time/hybrid qualification route,
- Progressing a solicitor apprenticeship scheme,
- Re-introducing routes based on relevant legal experience, and
- Developing a structured returners programme.
Requalification route
The report also called for the consideration of a formal assessment-based requalification route for qualified legal professionals trained in other jurisdictions, particularly those with comparable legal education and experience.
“Such a pathway would support cross-jurisdictional mobility, increase diversity of experience in the local profession, and ensure all entrants meet consistent standards of competence,” it stated.