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Rise in barrister transfers into solicitors' profession

A total of 34 barristers transferred to the solicitors’ profession in Ireland in 2017. The figure is the same as that recorded in 2016.

In 2014 and 2015, the number of transfers to the solicitors’ profession was just 15 in both years.

However, the increase recorded in 2016 compared with 2015 was significant. The jump from 15 transfers per annum to 34 in 2016 represented an increase of 126.6% over the 2015 figure. 

The 2016 transfer figure was mirrored once again in 2017, when a further 34 barristers opted to become solicitors.

As of 24 April 2018, a total of 17 barristers have been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2018.

 Given that we are now just one-third of the way through 2018, it would appear as though the number of barristers transferring to the Roll of Solicitors is set to increase once again, compared with the 2017 admission figure. 

Transfer process

The transfer process is only open to barristers with three or more years’ experience at the Bar or in other legal employment.

Such barristers are required to do the one-month course ‘Essentials of legal practice’ at the Law Society, followed by a period of up to six months training in a firm.

The number of barristers attending the course from 2012 to 2017 are outlined in the table (left).

Synchonise

The course numbers don’t synchronise with admission totals, as some barristers decide to defer their actual date of transfer, while others decide not to follow through at the 11th hour.