Not a student or graduate

Front lawn and front of Education building at Blackhall Place

The Preliminary Examination provides an avenue of entry to becoming a solicitor if you do not otherwise qualify for this training - for example, if you do not hold a degree at level 7 or a Diploma in Law from The Law Society of Ireland or King’s Inns, or you are not currently studying for a degree, or you do not meet the criteria for a Law Clerk / Legal Executive.

 

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STEP 1

 

Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is held once a year, usually in March. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age on or before the date of the first exam.
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STEP 2
 

Final Examination – First Part (FE-1) 

The Final Examination – First Part (FE-1) is the entrance examination to the Law Society of Ireland's Professional Practice Course (PPC) for training to become a solicitor.
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STEP 3
 

 

Training Contract

After completing the FE-1, you will need to find a solicitor to train you and enter into a Training Contract.

 
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STEP 4
 

PPC

The Professional Practice Course (PPC) at the Law Society of Ireland is designed to prepare you for work as a solicitor. It is available as an in-person full-time course or a part-time hybrid course.
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STEP 5
 

In-office training

Upon completing the Professional Practice Course (PPC) trainee solicitors are required to complete two years of in-office training.
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STEP 6
 

Admission to the Roll Of Solicitors

When you have successfully completed your PPC examinations and your in-office training you may apply to have your name entered on the Roll of Solicitors.
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STEP 7
 

Practising Certificate

It is the statutory responsibility of each solicitor to ensure that they have a Practising Certificate (PC) in force before providing legal services of any kind whatsoever. After admission to the Roll of Solicitors, you can apply for your PC.