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Law Society's flexible route to solicitor qualification

Those who want to qualify as a solicitor but are unable to commit to moving or commuting to Dublin for six months now have an alternative option.

The Law Society has unveiled a new version of its Professional Practice Course (PPC), to begin next month.

It is specifically aimed at delivering a flexible route to solicitor qualification without the traditional requirement to be onsite at Blackhall Place in Dublin full-time for a six-month period.

Law Society director of education T P Kennedy (small picture) explains “The Irish solicitors’ profession takes pride in being open and accessible to a wide range of people.

Sheer openness of access

“One of the lesser-known aspects of a career as a solicitor is the sheer openness of access to solicitor training.

“It is already well-established that a successful career as a solicitor can be approached from several different angles, and doesn’t necessarily require a law degree.”

“Our new PPC Hybrid is the next step in that evolution.

“By designing the course specifically to suit people based outside Dublin or with existing work, family or other commitments, we have created an exceptionally flexible pathway to the law.

“This will enable a new generation of people from all over Ireland to qualify as solicitors.”

“This is a learner-centred, blended-learning approach to professional training and we look forward to welcoming trainee solicitors of all educational and career backgrounds who might never have been able to pursue qualification as a solicitor until now.” 

About the PPC Hybrid

The Law Society’s new Professional Practice Course Hybrid (PPC Hybrid) combines online lectures with face-to-face tuition to provide a flexible route to practice without the traditional requirement to be onsite in the Law School for an extended period.

Read about the advantages of the PPC Hybrid option, the course structure and learning approach and digital learning resources at https://www.lawsociety.ie/ppchybrid. 

The PPC Hybrid will commence with an induction day on 18 December 2019, at which iPads will be distributed and initial online lectures released.

Innovation

The development of the new PPC Hybrid follows the launch of the Peart Commission Report, containing 30 recommendations setting out a vision for the future of solicitor training in Ireland.

“Training solicitors to meet any and all challenges they will face in their careers is some of the most important work the Law Society does,” said TP Kennedy.

“The Law Society’s education model is deeply rooted in the public interest and focussed on the future.”

The Peart Commission was convened to develop specific actions following an independent root-and-branch review of the Law Society’s pre-qualification training by a team of international experts. 

“Implementing the Peart Commission recommendations will have several benefits,” added TP Kennedy.

“It will further increase access to the profession for trainees across diverse educational, professional and socio-economic backgrounds and ensure the Law Society maintains its prominent position as an innovative professional legal educator globally.”