Law Society apprenticeship will allow solicitors qualify without third-level degree

The Law Society of Ireland is establishing a new vocational route to becoming a solicitor that will allow school leavers to train to become a solicitor without a third-level degree. Picture: iStock

Aspiring solicitors interested in pursuing a legal career will now be able to take a new alternative route into the profession as a paid apprenticeship programme gets set to launch.

The Law Society of Ireland is establishing a new vocational route to becoming a solicitor that will allow school leavers to train to become a solicitor without a third-level degree.

Trainees on the new professional solicitor apprenticeship will also earn while they learn, as they are paid for their work as part of the seven-year programme.

It marks one of the most significant changes when it comes to solicitor training in this country in decades, and has been specially designed to continue broadening access to the profession.

The new apprenticeship route will be fully accredited by the Law Society and will be of equal standing to existing qualification pathways.

Until now, access to solicitor training is graduate-led. 

Legal executives and legal clerks

Legal executives and legal clerks were also required to have at least five years’ experience before they could pursue qualification as a solicitor.

The new programme allows them to begin that process earlier in their careers.

The programme is expected to welcome its first apprentices from next September.

“We are committed to this, and we expect the programme to build up in the years ahead,” said Rory O'Boyle, head of the Law Society of Ireland's Professional Practice Course.

“We don’t think it will ever replace the graduate programme, but we feel like it will be a really interesting, innovative pathway into the profession for a different type of learner.

"The points system isn’t for everybody. People develop at different rates and bring different talents.” 

The apprenticeship training will include working four days a week in an office, and one day a week studying with the Law Society.

The programme is also intended to support legal firms experiencing recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in rural areas.

The programme may be of interest for apprentices who have enthusiasm, curiosity, and who are interested in the world of work, Mr O’Boyle said.

“It might be a pathway for the student who thinks ‘exams didn’t always work out for me in school but I know I have something to bring to the profession’.” 

Expressions of interest open this September, with the first cohort of apprentices expected to commence in September 2027.

• Jess Casey, Education Correspondent