Advanced Electives Overview

This aspect of the training will provide trainees with significant opportunities to explore areas of practice that most interest them.  These electives can be undertaken at any point during the traineeship, including the in-office training period.  Trainees are encouraged to engage in as many electives as they desire but must complete at least four to fulfill program requirements.  The structure is as follows:

1. A programme of advanced electives is provided by the Law School at the Law Society of Ireland. 
2. Some advanced electives will be co-provided with other bodies.
3. External advanced electives will also be accredited by the Law Society.

Representation of the Law School in a Moot Court or Skills Competition at international level is also considered as an advanced elective. 

Law School Advanced Electives – May and June 2025 (inclusive of assessment)

After completing the mandatory elements of the Professional Practice Course (PPC), advanced electives will be available in May and June 2025. Trainees may choose to complete some or all of their electives during this period. Detailed information about these electives will be available by December 2024, and the selection process will begin in January 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis. Each elective requires a minimum of sixteen participants to proceed. Payments are due by February 2025, and both trainees and firm administrators will be notified when the payment portal opens.

Our goal is to enhance the skills and career prospects of trainee solicitors by offering a diverse range of electives that cover both core legal practices and innovative, niche topics.

Micro-credentials leading to an Advanced Certificate in Legal Practice / Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice

Each Law Society advanced elective will result in the award of a certified micro-credential. These micro-credentials will count towards a broader award of a certificate or diploma. For example, trainees successfully completing two advanced electives with the Law School, and as such having attained two micro-credentials, will be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Legal Practice. Trainees that successfully complete four advanced electives with the Law School, and as such having attained four micro-credentials, will be awarded an Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice. Such micro-credentials only apply to Law School advanced electives.

Furthermore, such micro-credentials may also provide prior credit towards a Diploma in a specific area of practice. A discount of 15% will apply if a trainee progresses from a Law School advanced elective to a Diploma course in the same subject area offered by the Law Society’s Diploma Centre. This discount applies for up to two years after the completion of the advanced elective. Further details of the relevant advanced elective and related Diplomas are provided within the brochure.