Trainee solicitors have been doing their training exclusively on iPads for the past three years. Now, the Law Society has been recognised by Apple for their progressive use of the technology.

The “Apple Distinguished Program 2015-2017” accreditation is awarded to outstanding schools and programmes worldwide that are centres of innovation, leadership and educational excellence.

The Law Society is the first professional educator in Europe to receive the accreditation. The Society’s iPad 1:1 programme began in 2013, with iPads now incorporated across all PPC modules to facilitate a more interactive approach to learning. Since 2013, nearly 2,000 trainee solicitors have received iPads.

Apple awarded the Law Society of Ireland’s Professional Practice Course the prestigious award at a ceremony in the Society’s Law School yesterday (Thursday 26 May 2016).

“As the Law Society is the sole provider of solicitor training in Ireland, our vision is to train 21st century solicitors who can meet the exacting requirements of their clients and their firms,” said Law Society Director of Education T P Kennedy.

“Modern solicitors not only need to possess an acute understanding of the law and its application, but also need to possess the digital skills necessary to serve their clients in a globalised Ireland. Our iPad programme helps achieve that.

"The old image of a solicitor working with stacks of paper, faxes, and letters is outdated. We appreciate the efficiencies technology can bring to solicitors’ work. 

“The fact that the iPads have also saved our trainee solicitors’ backs from dragging heavy books on law around the country is another important benefit.”

The full story of the Law Society’s journey to delivering a 21st century curriculum can be explored in a multi-touch eBook, created by Director of Education T P Kennedy. It can be downloaded from Apple’s iBookstore.

• Download the Law School iPad Programme e-book 

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