Law Society accolade suite for each career stage
The Law Society has introduced a suite of awards of merit that mark achievement at every stage of a solicitor’s career in the form of the Solicitors Acts 1954 to 2015 (Awards of Merit) Regulations 2024.
From the academic rigour of the Final Examination – First Part (FE1) through to years of professional service, these designations reflect both experience and excellence in the solicitors’ profession.
Common feature
In other jurisdictions and professions, accreditation for students, trainees and more experienced professionals is a common feature.
The qualification of solicitor remains the pre-eminent award the Law Society can bestow, but it is important to have awards of merit to mark and record achievement at every stage of a solicitor’s career.
These new awards are as follows:
Academic pre-qualification awards
- Those that have successfully completed the Final Examination – First Part can use the designation Scholastic Associate of the Law Society of Ireland (SALSI),
- Those that have commenced a training contract can use the designation – Trainee Associate of the Law Society of Ireland (TALSI).
These awards provide incremental recognition of achievement to those progressing through the solicitor training programme.
Even those who do not continue to full qualification can still benefit from the SALSI designation to showcase their educational achievement.
Both awards are time limited and lapse on qualification as a solicitor.
Post qualification awards
Qualified solicitors who hold current Law Society membership can now use the designation: MLSI – Member of Law Society of Ireland.
This is designed to strengthen public recognition of the solicitor qualification and highlight the professional standing of solicitors.
Fellow of Law Society of Ireland
To recognise solicitors with more experience, a special award of merit – Fellow of the Law Society of Ireland (FLSI) – is now open for applications.
This is open to solicitors who have been members of the Law Society for 12 years or more.
Invitation to apply
We invite all eligible and interested solicitors to apply.
See what’s involved, including completion of a short form and an application fee.
Whether at the outset of a legal career or enhancing skills and knowledge, the Law Society is committed to supporting solicitors’ professional development and formally recognising their experience and achievements with the introduction of these new awards of merit.