This aspect of the training provides trainees with significant opportunities to explore areas of practice that most interest them. These electives can be undertaken at any point during the traineeship, including the in-office training period. Trainees are encouraged to engage in as many electives as they desire but must complete at least four to fulfill program requirements.  The structure is as follows:

1. A programme of advanced electives is provided by the Law School at the Law Society of Ireland. 
2. Some advanced electives will be co-provided with other bodies.
3. External advanced electives will also be accredited by the Law Society.

Representation of the Law School in a Moot Court or Skills Competition at international level is also considered as an advanced elective. 

Micro-credentials leading to an Advanced Certificate in Legal Practice / Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice

Each Law Society advanced elective will result in the award of a certified micro-credential. These micro-credentials will count towards a broader award of a certificate or diploma. For example, trainees successfully completing two advanced electives with the Law School, and as such having attained two micro-credentials, will be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Legal Practice. Trainees that successfully complete four advanced electives with the Law School, and as such having attained four micro-credentials, will be awarded an Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice. Such micro-credentials only apply to Law School advanced electives.

Furthermore, such micro-credentials may also provide prior credit towards a Diploma in a specific area of practice. A discount of 15% will apply if a trainee progresses from a Law School advanced elective to a Diploma course in the same subject area offered by the Law Society’s Diploma Centre. This discount applies for up to two years after the completion of the advanced elective. Further details of the relevant advanced elective and related Diplomas are provided within the brochure.