Essentials of Legal Practice Course (ELPC)
As a barrister, in order to become a solicitor, you must complete the Essentials of Legal Practice Course (ELPC). This 3-week course runs annually in August and/or early September each year. Your application for the ELPC must be approved by the Education Committee. The Committee considers such applications at its meeting in July. You must satisfy the Committee that you are eligible to take the ELPC.
The ELPC covers:
- Professional Conduct
- Solicitor’s Accounts
- Probate and Taxation
- Conveyancing
There is no examination. Attendance at all modules is compulsory.
This a full-time blended learning course that runs for three weeks. Attendance is required onsite 2/3 days a week (may not be consecutive) and live Zoom sessions/ recorded lecture viewing 2 days a week (9am-5pm).
A laptop or other suitable device is required to access our online learning platform.
How to Apply
Send your letter of application in hard and soft copy to Dr Rachael Hession (Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7) and R.Hession@LawSociety.ie) together with the following documents:
- Certificate of good standing while practising from two of the benchers of the Honourable Society of King’s Inns confirming the period of practice. The Bar Council can assist you with this. If you are not a member of the Bar Council a Certificate of Good Standing from two senior lawyers will be accepted. Certificates must be dated within six months.
- A certificate from the Registrar of the King's Inns:
- confirming that you have attained the Barrister at Law degree
- certifying the results of that degree
- certifying that you have passed or were exempt from the Irish examination, and
- certifying the date you were called to the Bar.
- Certified copies of academic qualifications (i.e. Law Degree if obtained), listing subjects and results. This should be on the letterhead of the issuing authority and signed/stamped.
- An up-to-date CV setting out either the history of your work at the Bar and/or as a member of the Judiciary, and/or your relevant employment history.
- In the case of a term of employment (employed in the provision of legal services):
- a reference from your employer confirming the period that you have been engaged under a contract of employment full-time in the provision of services of a legal nature and specifying the nature of the work done, and
- a character reference from a solicitor outside the employing firm which verifies the work you have done.
- Details of the office of a practising solicitor where you intend to complete your in-office period. If details are not confirmed at the application stage these will be accepted before the end of the ELPC.
- Confirmation from the King's Inns that you have been voluntarily disbarred. You may elect to delay arranging to be disbarred until just before applying to go on the Roll of Solicitors. If you do so, this confirmation may be submitted at that stage.
- If you are applying for an exemption or partial exemption from the 6 months in-office experience, you must set out the basis of the application and, if relevant, provide confirmation from your employer of any period worked, the experience obtained and confirmation that the work done was equivalent to that of a solicitor. See Exemption from In-office Period.
- Fee of €100 for application to the Education Committee to be paid by EFT
Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin 2
Account name: The Law Society of Ireland
Account number: 16304279
Branch code: 90-00-17
IBAN: IE09 BOFI 9000 1716 3042 79
BIC: BOFIIE2D
Your application will be referred to the Education Committee for a decision on whether you are eligible to attend the ELPC.
Applications for the 2025 ELPC will open on 1 March 2025.
The deadline for applications for the 2025 ELPC is 9 June 2025.
Applications for the ELPC and for Exemptions relating to the in-office period are considered by the Education Committee in July each year. Applicants are informed of the Education Committee’s decision in mid-late July.
The fee for attending the ELPC is €2,860, which is payable by EFT, in advance of the course commencing:
Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin 2
Account name: The Law Society of Ireland
Account number: 16304279
Branch code: 90-00-17
IBAN: IE09 BOFI 9000 1716 3042 79
BIC: BOFIIE2D
Once your application has been received the Law Society bank details will be shared with you via email.
The Law Society recognises and values difference and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for the benefit of all and endorses the principles of inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment.
The supports you might require may depend on the stage of your training. Find more information about the supports offered.
Dr. Rachael Hession
- Tel: 01 8815707
- Email: R.Hession@LawSociety.ie
- Postal Address: Dr Rachael Hession, Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin, D07 VY24
- DX: 79 Dublin
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