Street Law
What is Street Law
Street Law originated at Georgetown University (USA) in the late 1970s is an approach to public legal education in which law students or legal professionals teach law to members of the public (often in schools). Street Laws unique pedagogical approach uses a learner-centered, due process model of teaching and learning. This interactive and experiential methodology taps into people’s inherent interest in the law and aims to promote legal literacy, equality, access to law, and to teach high cognitive and social skills that enhance each participant’s effectiveness in legal matters. The approach used not only teaches the public about law but also aims to create an experience of justice in the classroom.
Numbers so far
-
Over 7,000
Transition Year students taught. -
468
Trainee solicitor volunteers -
14
Partner schools
School Testimonials
The Street Law Programme has been an outstanding component of our Transition Year curriculum for over 10 years here at Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore, and its impact on our students has been consistently exceptional. The programme provides our TY students with an engaging and very accessible introduction to the legal system and the role of law in society. The interactive teaching methods used by the facilitators encourage a deep understanding, critical thinking and confidence in our students, many of whom may not otherwise have opportunities to engage with legal education. Each year, the visit to the Criminal Courts of Justice stands out as a highlight of the programme. This is an invaluable real-world learning experience that brings the content of the programme to life and leaves a lasting impression on our students. The professionalism and commitment of the Street Law team always enriches our TY programme year on year, and the sustained success of this initiative in our school is a testament to its quality and educational value. Thank you to all involved
The Street Law programme has been an outstanding addition to our TY programme over the years. Delivered in partnership with the Law Society of Ireland, it has been exceptionally well organised and highly engaging for students. It has sparked a genuine interest in law, justice, and civic responsibility, while also building students’ confidence in debate, critical thinking, and public speaking. An excellent programme that has had a very positive impact on our students.
At Marian College we really value the learning experience the students get from their classes with then trainee solicitors it is a valuable part of the TY programme. It is ideal for TYs in that it is a unique learning experience that gives them the opportunity to look at topics and subjects that just aren’t covered in their regular subjects like English Irish…etc. For many students they have never looked at law as a career possibility mostly as we are a DEIS school with many students from disadvantaged and immigrant backgrounds. We look forward to taking part in the programme for many years to come.
Street Law Prison
Like Street Law Schools, the Prison programme aims to promote legal literacy, equality and access to law while also teaching high cognitive and social skills to enhance a participant’s effectiveness in legal matters. Trainee solicitors work with prisoners to raise their awareness and understanding of the law in areas such as human rights, employment law, refugee rights and discrimination. We have facilitated a Prison Law programme in
- Oberstown Children Detention Campus
- Wheatfield Prison,
- Pathways Centre
- Arbour Hill Prison
- Mountjoy Prison
Listen to a RTE radio report about Street Law lessons in Mountjoy
Contact us
Our Street Law programme is led by Course Manager, John Lunney and Public Legal Education Executive, Keith Kierans.
John has a particular interest in Public Legal Education initiatives that work with young people to develop their awareness and understanding of the law. A dual qualified solicitor and teacher he is a co-founder of the Street Law UK & Ireland, Best Practices Conference. He has also presented on Street Law at a number of international conferences, contributed to published research in the area and led Street Law “train the trainer” workshops domestically and internationally.
Keith manages the logistics of the Street Law programme, along with several other Public Legal Education initiatives offered at the Law Society. Keith works with key stakeholders within the PLE network to support the advancement of PLE at the Law Society of Ireland and ensure our suite of programmes is accessible to the widest audience possible.
Fo more information contact John Lunney or Keith Kierans
Street Law Schools
Since 2013, over 7,000 transition year students have completed the Law Society’s Street Law programme.
Each year, 36 volunteer trainee solicitors participate during their PPC. As part of the programme, the trainee solicitors attend an orientation weekend facilitated by Law Society staff and guest trainers from the USA. The intense weekend of training prepares the trainees to teach the Street Law course to Transition Year students at partnering DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools in the local community. They deliver the programme over six lessons and cover topics such as the court systems, family law, discrimination law and sexual offences. Annually around 500 TY students participate through our 14 Partner schools. Many school groups conclude their programme with a visit to the Criminal Courts of Justice or by staging a mock trial in the Law Society’s own mock courtroom, an unforgettable highlight for students.
Participating Schools 2025
Assumption Secondary School; Ballinteer Community School; Coláiste Chillian; Coláiste Bríde; Loreto College Crumlin; Marian College; Mercy Secondary School; Mount Carmel Secondary School; Moyle Park College; OLM Drimnagh; St Josephs Rush; Stanhope Secondary School; Tallaght Community School; St Pauls CBS - The Brunner;