The Law Society’s Law School recently provided trainee solicitors with funding to organise a six-week course of sign language classes.

The classes, tailored to the legal profession, were created and taught by Assistant Professor in TCD Patrick Matthews and ISL interpreter Pauline McMahon.

The sign language classes were the first for the Law School and, in the light of the Covid 19 pandemic, took place via Zoom.

Skills

The Sign Language Society was set up by Siobhan Matthews, Tara O’Donoghue and Molly O’Regan (pictured, left to right) with the aim of providing trainee solicitors with the skills to communicate with deaf clients.

It also promotes an understanding of working with sign language interpreters in a legal setting.

The classes gave new language skills to trainees but also improved communication skills between trainees and highlighted the importance of non-verbal signals to clients.

They also allowed the Law Society to expand its diversity and inclusivity services for its members and the general public.