This article is written in conjunction with the IE Law Society.By Ava Jane Nunan
As IE students, we have plenty of options for future career opportunities in a variety of jurisdictions and fields. The comparative global and EU law approach of IE’s LLB opens more doors than most universities. This leaves the persistent question: where should I pursue a career after graduation? A particularly unique opportunity, with a growing international presence, is Ireland.
Why Ireland?
Ireland is the only EU Member State that uses a common law system. Consequently, there is a heavy reliance on judicial precedents and case law, rather than civil codes. This is particularly exciting if you have been studying European Union law, but are not as interested in the rigidity of the Civil Law system. Ireland’s EU membership also allows for legal professionals to work on cross-border matters; Ireland has all the benefits of the EU legal system, but with the unique addition of a common law element.
Furthermore, there is a growing demand for legal professionals due to the increasing relevance of the Irish economy and its business presence. This is a big factor in why 25 percent of Irish legal professionals are now choosing in-house legal roles.
According to EY, “Dublin ranked 7th most attractive European city for FDI investment over [the] next 3 years” in 2023. Additionally, it is the fastest growing economy in the EU.
Ireland is also considered a low bureaucracy area, making it more efficient than other jurisdictions. Combined with one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the Union, and being an English-speaking country in the EU, these are some of the very attractive traits to consider when registering a company. With more companies, comes more demand for lawyers!
Solicitor vs. Barrister
In Ireland, there are two distinct types of lawyers, each with different paths, roles, training, and responsibilities. The main difference between these two is that a barrister defends people in court, whilst a solicitor works outside the court. Although some solicitors are undertaking qualifications to become a solicitor advocate, this still generally applies. Furthermore, solicitors are recognized by the Law Society of Ireland, whereas Barristers are qualified by the Kings Inns.
King’s Inns (Cumann Onórach Óstaí an Rí) is the official “Inns of Court” of Ireland which offers courses and admits legal professionals– a requirement to be called to the Bar. The Solicitors Act states how to qualify as a solicitor in Ireland, and outlines in the “Qualification” section the requirements for The Law Society’s (Dlí-Chumann na hÉireann) involvement and approval.
Becoming a Solicitor
To become a solicitor in Ireland, you are required to either verify your qualifications or take a series of examinations that all aspiring solicitors must pass.
If you are already qualified in another EU Member State, you simply need to check if the Law Society of Ireland has recognized your legal qualifications. However, if your qualifications are outside of the EU, you would then need to pass the QLTT, the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test.
With the qualifications that law students at IE graduate with, it would not be possible to become a solicitor directly after graduation. This is visible on the Law Society of Ireland page, where you can view a “schedule” of which degrees or courses and from which universities they recognize. Your degree must be recognized to even train to be a solicitor and take the entrance examinations.
I spoke with a representative of the Society, and they confirmed that as IE is not on the schedule, the LLB would not qualify. Therefore an IE LLB alumni would be required to obtain qualifications in another jurisdiction and transfer those to be validated in Ireland.
Once the educational requirements have been fulfilled, you would be required to secure a two-year training contract with a practicing solicitor, as a mandatory apprenticeship with practical training. Finally, there are two Professional Practice Courses, the PPC1 and PPC2 from the Law Society to be completed during your training contract. Once you have completed the entry requirements, courses, and training contract, you can be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors!
Becoming a barrister
Becoming a barrister is outlined by the Honorable Society of King’s Inns. Similarly to becoming a solicitor, there are specific courses that qualify. Again, these only include Irish universities, as within the educational requirements, you’ll notice that they include Irish Land Law, Irish Constitutional Law, and others that one would only study in Ireland. However, there is hope! There are entrance exams available for those with insufficient qualifications to pass in core subjects to become eligible for a Barrister-at-Law degree.
After completing the degree you can be “called to the bar” and begin practicing, with a one-year “devilling” period where you train under an experienced barrister, just as you would as a solicitor.
What’s best for you?
Similarly to the English legal system, the decision of a barrister or solicitor is major, as it defines your career; the two will rarely overlap. Barristers focus on court advocacy, whereas solicitors may focus on more practical problem-solving. It is important to follow what you are most passionate about. If you prefer to work in firms, or as in-house counsel, being a solicitor may be perfect for you.
Additionally, solicitors may enjoy more structured working hours and stability with a steady workload. On the other hand, if you enjoy arguing, and independence, you may be better suited to be a barrister. Enjoying presenting arguments, advocacy, and public speaking, as well as thriving under pressure, means being a barrister is the right choice.
Featured image courtesy of The Courts Service of Ireland
