Launching today, Tuesday 15 September 2020, the Law Society of Ireland has developed a new series of free online information sessions for newly qualified and trainee solicitors across the country. The sessions focus on career management, interview preparation and associated mental health matters. Designed and organised by the Law Society’s Younger Members Committee, the nine-week series invites expert speakers to explore topics of relevance to solicitors in the early stages of their career.

President of the Law Society of Ireland, Michele O’Boyle, said, “Solicitors, like many others navigating the early years of a career path can sometimes be unsure of what direction it should take, where their career path will ultimately lead them, and where they can find their ‘dream job’.”

“The Younger Members Committee comprises qualified solicitors in the early stages of their career. They have identified key issues of relevance to their cohort and created this series to assist their colleagues in the profession who may face similar challenges and decisions,” she said.

The hidden job market

The first session, ‘Finding the hidden job market’, features top career advisor Sinead English. The session will examine the hidden market of jobs which have not been advertised and discuss how to access these opportunities.

“An estimated 60-70 per cent of all jobs are never advertised,” explained Ms O’Boyle. “Networking is an essential tool that will pro-actively assist solicitors, and indeed all career professionals, to navigate their way along the career ladder.”

“With Covid-19 affecting how we network and meet potential employers, we must rethink how we connect to others and explore and be open to career opportunities when they arise. The key is to stay connected and to stay positive”.

Impressing at an interview

Solicitor Barry McLoughlin, of The Communications Clinic, will address how to ‘impress at an interview’ in session two. To date, Mr McLoughlin has assisted hundreds of solicitors to prepare for interviews and will share his knowledge with the Law Society series on Tuesday 22 September 2020.

“For many newly qualified solicitors emerging from completed trainee contracts, they may not have had an opportunity to present for a formal interview for nearly three or four years,” explained Ms O’Boyle.

“Tips on how to maximise presentation skills and demonstrate confidence, how to show case knowledge and expertise and, critically, how to avoid common pitfalls will all help secure the next role along a career path,” she said.

“It is clear that searching for a new career advancing role can be challenging, exciting and draining and it is important to protect yourself and take care of your wellbeing during any job search period,” she said. “The Law Society’s information series will also discuss how to find your confidence, handle psychological uncertainty and, much much more.”

The full schedule of the Law Society’s Younger Members Committee’s information sessions includes:

• Finding the hidden job market
• Impressing at interview
• Working from home - how to stay well physically and mentally
• Success at competency interviews
• Finding your confidence
• Dealing successfully with recruiters
• Psychological uncertainty – living with Covid 19
• Changing career direction
• Personal branding for young solicitors

Register now

The series starts at 7pm tonight, Tuesday 15 September, and will take place via Zoom. The sessions will last 20-25 minutes and will provide information on how to pursue the topics covered further. Registration to the online sessions is essential.
For more information or to register, see: Younger Members Committee Information Sessions.

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