The Professional Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, expected to commence in September 2027, will provide legal firms with a new route to recruit and develop future solicitors.
By employing an apprentice, you can invest in local talent, strengthen legal services in your community and support the future of the profession. Apprentices will gain practical workplace experience while training and progressing towards qualification as a solicitor.
The programme is designed for both school leavers choosing an alternative route into the profession and existing law clerks and legal executives who wish to become solicitors while remaining in employment.
Why participate?
The apprenticeship programme offers firms the opportunity to:
- Recruit talented individuals from your local communities.
- Support succession planning and address future recruitment needs.
- Provide a progression pathway for existing employees, including law clerks and legal executives.
- Improve staff retention through investment in career development.
How the programme works
Apprentices are employed by a participating firm while completing professional education through the Law Society, with an indicative balance of approximately four days per week in the workplace and one day engaged in study. The programme includes different entry points for school leavers and for existing law clerks and legal executives.
School Leavers
Students must be at least 18 when they start the programme and will need to complete:
- Introductory Certificate in Law
- Diploma in Legal Skills for Legal Executives
- Diploma in Law
- FE-1 examinations
- Professional Practice Course (PPC Hybrid)
- Training contract and qualification as a solicitor
Law Clerks and Legal Executives
Apprentices will need to complete:
- Diploma in Legal Skills for Legal Executives
- Diploma in Law
- FE-1 examinations
- Professional Practice Course (Hybrid)
- Training contract and qualification as a solicitor
Interested in getting involved?
To learn more about the Professional Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme or to register your firm's interest in participating, email solicitorapprenticeship@lawsociety.ie.
