New professional apprenticeship (Law Society of Ireland) · Legal

Solicitor

A new way to become a solicitor without a university degree, expected to start in September 2027 (subject to regulatory approval). You work in a law firm four days a week and study with the Law Society one day a week, earning a salary while you qualify. It suits motivated, organised students who are interested in law and helping people and prefer learning on the job.

How it works: This is a new apprenticeship run by the Law Society of Ireland and isn't listed on apprenticeship.ie. The first apprentices are expected to start in September 2027 (subject to regulatory approval). You're employed and paid by a law firm while you train, and you don't apply through the CAO.

Key facts

How long
About 6–7 years
Award
Qualification as a solicitor (fully accredited by the Law Society and of equal standing to the university route)
Where you train
  • Four days a week working in a participating law firm (firms around the country, not just Dublin)
  • One day a week studying with the Law Society of Ireland (a mix of online and in-person learning)
Pay
You earn a salary from the law firm from your first day (the rate is set by the employer).
Costs
Not yet published by the Law Society.

Entry requirements

  • At least 18 when you start the apprenticeship
  • No university degree needed: it's designed for school leavers (and for law clerks and legal executives already working)
  • You must be employed by a participating law firm
  • The Law Society hasn't published Leaving Cert grade requirements yet. Register your interest to get updates
  • Law clerks and legal executives can take the legal executive route, which takes about five to six years

How to apply

Register your interest with the Law Society of Ireland now (expressions of interest opened in September 2026). The first apprentices are expected to start in September 2027 (subject to regulatory approval), and people who register get updates on application opportunities and next steps. You'll need to be employed by a participating law firm. Questions: solicitorapprenticeship@lawsociety.ie.

Register your interest (Law Society) ↗ Official page on lawsociety.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Introductory Certificate in Law
  • Diploma in Legal Skills for Legal Executives, then a Diploma in Law
  • FE-1 exams (the Law Society's entrance exams)
  • Professional Practice Course (PPC Hybrid), then a training contract and qualification as a solicitor

Where it can lead

  • Solicitor in a law firm, a company or the public service
  • Practical legal work from day one as you train

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Politics and Society, Business, History

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from lawsociety.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.