Episode 13: Career Choices - Train to be a Solicitor

Shownotes

Episode 13: Career Choices - Train to be a Solicitor

0:06 -1:10
Introduction
Welcome to Careers Conversations. This week the focus is on how to train to be a solicitor.  Siobhán Murphy, Careers Advisor meets Ian Ryan, Traineeship Executive with the Law Society of Ireland. Ian studied Computer Science after secondary school and worked in the I.T. industry for 9 years. Thereafter, he passed the FE-1s and completed a training contract in Clonmel, County Tipperary.
He worked as a solicitor in New Ross, County Wexford for 9 years prior to taking up his current role in 2016.
As a solicitor, Ian worked in general practice carrying out work in conveyancing, family law, wills and probate, litigation including civil and criminal.

1:10 -5.05
What is the Law Society and what is a solicitor?
Ian explains that the Law Society is both an educational and regulatory body. Solicitor is a regulated profession. A solicitor helps people with many different matters such as buying a property, dealing with contentious issues or facing a prosecution from the state. Solicitors listen to their client's issue and apply their knowledge of the law and recommend a solution.

5:05 - 10.46
What makes a good solicitor?
Active listening and empathy are key. Solicitors often meet people at the worst times of their lives. They must be able to take careful instructions and be honest with their clients. Confidentiality is critical. Ian explains what reduction and mitigation of risk means and what attributes are needed by a solicitor to be able to advise clients correctly. Communication is important. Interested in being a problem solver. Good writing skills in plain English and a keen interest in reading. The training in the law society develops these practical skills.

10:46- 15;50
Routes to training to be a solicitor
You don’t need a law qualification to pursue a career in law. With any degree you can study and sit the FE1 (entrance examinations). Once you even begin a level 7 degree you begin to sit these examinations. There are eight exams in total. You can sit as little as one or up to all eight together. There are two sittings per year - generally March and October each year. You have up to 7 years to pass entrance exams. Ian explains how he approached the FE1s while he worked full time.   

15:50-17.55
What is being assessed in the FE1 Exams
Ian explains how the exams are structured. Assessment of the candidates knowledge and ability to apply this knowledge to a practical situation is being assessed. There are five out of eight questions on each paper. You are required to advise one party or another. 

17:55 - 21:52
How to study for the FE1 Exams
Option of self study, the syllabus available on Law Society, recommended reading list also. There is an option of an FE1 preparatory course. DIT (TU) and Law Society also run a postgraduate diploma in law which prepare you for all eight exams. Could be useful for those with no law in their degree. Choice of study routes down to how people learn and starter knowledge. Generally people sit exams over a couple of sittings although some sit all eight in one go

21:52- 25:10
Managing the gap between university and entering Blackhall Place
Ian recommends beginning with the exams of most interest to get started. Siobhán and Ian discuss working in a law practice as a legal assistant while studying for FE1s and getting practical experience and help with motivation to pursue solicitor as a career.

25:10 - 30:45
Securing a Traineeship
Ian describes how working in the legal department while working in Dell, he believed helped him secure a training contract. Each year the Law Society holds a webinar to guide people on how to secure a contract. Alumni share their own experiences and tips.  Siobhán explains about the highly successful graduate to graduate law programmes operated by the DCU Alumni Office, School of Law & Government and The Careers Service. This is where new Alumni are mentored with more experienced Alumni. Ian explains that a traineeship is required before starting in the Law Society.  The Law Society has a vacancy system and a list of firms that train solicitors. Internships are an excellent way to secure a traineeship.

30:45- 40:00
Law Society Education Structure and Funding
Ian explains the academic year and the option to study via a hybrid programme. The hybrid programme is useful for those who cannot leave their firm/family or distance is an issue. It involves studying from home and then doing weekend blocks in Blackhall place. You can reduce the duration of your education through approved work history, to a maximum of 4 months i.e. legal assistant work.
There are fees for entrance exams, application fees and PCP 1 & 2. There is Susi funding for those that are eligible for it. Bigger firms tend to pay the fees for their trainees. There are a small number of scholarships available each year also. The Law Society also has an Access Scholarship programme.
Ian explains the rotation or ‘seat’ that occurs in larger firms - this is where you work with a partner and move through various departments. For smaller firms, you could be working at all different aspects of the law at the same time.
Great opportunities to explore what type of practice you want to build your career

40:00 - 41:00
Ian’s Top Tip
Get some experience, find out if you will enjoy the challenge of it. What are the particular areas of law that you particularly like. 

41: 45:55
Developing niche opportunities and Close
Siobhán asks Ian about opportunities to develop niche areas. Ian as part of his job visits all of the trainees in their workplace and has observed the opportunities that smaller practices even in rural areas are building up a specialism. Siobhan & Ian discuss the ‘business’ aspects of a practice and developing a business plan. During PCP 2, trainees are required to develop a business plan for setting up a practice and how to manage the accounts for a solicitors practice