STEP 1

Preliminary Examination exemption application

If you are a law clerk or legal executive with at least five years’ experience, you may apply for exemption from the Preliminary Examination. If you do not obtain this exemption, you will need to sit and pass the Preliminary Examination before you may sit the Final Examination - First Part (FE-1).

• Learn more about exemption from the Preliminary Examination

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.

• Learn more about the FE-1 examination

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.

• Learn more about the Training Contract

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.

• Learn more about the PPC 

STEP 5

In-office training

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

• Learn more about in-office training

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.

• Learn more about admission to the Roll of Solicitors

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.

• Learn more about the Practising Certificate