Law, legal services and patents: career FAQs
How can I get a job in law, legal services and patents?
To qualify as a solicitor or a barrister, you will need to undertake professional exams and an apprenticeship. The details vary depending on which profession you use and in which jurisdiction.
Most newly qualified solicitors remain with the firms they trained with for their first year.
After qualifying, solicitors get employment in solicitors’ firms (or in-house for other organisations) while barristers are self-employed.
Entry and training for barristers in the Republic of Ireland
Entry and training for barristers in Northern Ireland
Entry and training for solicitors in the Republic of Ireland
Entry and training for solicitors in Northern Ireland
What are the different areas of work?
The legal profession is divided into two professional practice areas: solicitor and barrister. There are approximately 1,900 barristers in Ireland. Approximately 60 per cent are male and 40 per cent female. Most barristers are based in Dublin; 80 reside in Cork and 120 in the rest of the country. There are almost 600 barristers in Northern Ireland at present. There are approximately 8,000 practising solicitors in the Republic of Ireland and approximately 1,850 in Northern Ireland.
Barristers
Solicitors
Alternative jobs for law graduates
What’s involved in the application process?
Many firms now ask for online applications.
How to get a training contract with a law firm
When should I apply?
Students who want to be solicitors need to secure a training contract with an approved solicitor before they start their professional qualifications. Trainee barristers do their training after they finish their professional qualifications.
What qualifications and skills do I need to work in law, legal services and patents?
Along with professional qualifications, you will need particular personal qualities to work in law.
A barrister needs to display evidence of thorough, organised and well researched preparation and, most importantly, the ability to think and act on his or her feet. Since barristers depend almost entirely on solicitors for work, they need to be able to network effectively and build on any contacts they already have. Life as a barrister is most definitely not for the meek.
The essential qualities and skills for a fulfilling and successful career as a solicitor include well developed communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and good research, analytical and evaluative skills.
What are the opportunities for professional development?
Career development for barristers is well structured and depends on seniority. In the Republic of Ireland, a newly qualified barrister is known as a Junior Counsel. A Junior Counsel can apply to become a Senior Counsel after 15 years’ experience as a Junior. Senior Counsel will generally practise only in the High Court and Supreme Court. In Northern Ireland, the most senior barristers are known as Queen’s Counsel. Other barristers (who may also be very experienced) are known as Junior Counsel. Barristers have a long tradition of public service; in the Republic of Ireland many have become members of the Dáil and the Seanad, and the Attorney General is always a member of the Bar. Senior judges are selected from the ranks of members of the Bar.
Solicitors can work their way up in a firm and there are many opportunities to specialise in particular areas of the law.
Career development for barristers
What are the salaries in law, legal services and patents?
The rewards are good in this profession: solicitors in the Republic of Ireland can earn over €40,000 less than a year after qualifying. As barristers are self-employed, their income depends on fees but these can be considerable.
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