Solicitors to train outside Dublin for the first time
The Law Society which runs the professional training courses has decided to operate courses in Cork, as the numbers entering the profession have doubled in the past four years alone.
Up to now, all trainee solicitors had to attend courses at Blackhall Place in the capital, but it is expected that up to 150 will choose to study in Cork from next November. The details will be announced at the courthouse in Cork this afternoon by Law Society president Michael Irvine, pointing out that there are 1,437 people at various stages in the process of qualification compared to 714 in 2002.
Almost 650 students began their training last October, up 83% from the 356 who entered Blackhall Place three years earlier.
The Law Society will advertise for professional staff to run the courses in this newspaper later this week and a premises has already been identified. According to Mr Irvine, work is underway to provide offices, information technology services and teaching facilities.
University College Cork will also collaborate with the society, and trainee solicitors attending the Cork courses will be registered with UCC. This will allow them access to the university’s academic facilities, including the library, as well as social, sports and entertainment options.
Most of the teaching will be carried out by practising solicitors and the professional practice course will be almost identical to the one in Dublin, using the same syllabus and materials.
The Southern Law Association has played a major role in organising the Cork courses and at least 100 Munster-based solicitors will be recruited to offer their expertise as lecturers and tutors. This will supplement the work of other solicitors from the southern region already lecturing in Blackhall Place but who are likely to provide their services in Cork.
