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Do we have to pay in full, in advance of commencing membership?
In your first year, all fees must be paid in full 10 working days before the start of the Michaelmas term. From second year onwards you can make instalment arrangements, for payment options in second year please contact member.accounts@lawlibrary.ie.
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How much will membership cost in the first year?
In 2017/18 the cost was €1,500 entry fee and €1,880 subscriptions (Note: This may be amended when budgets are set in late June). An acceptance letter will issue in early August and the full cost will be notified in this letter. The €150 application fee already paid is deducted from the total payable.
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Is it the same procedure if I don’t come down this year?
Should you apply and not enter, you must re-apply in your chosen year of entry. The application fee is not transferable.
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How can I pay the application fee?
You can pay the application fee by cheque, bank draft or postal order, all made payable to the Law Library.
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Can I send in my application if I don’t have a master?
You can send an incomplete application if you don’t have a master, but you must continue to arrange a master from the approved master list. The Bar of Ireland is not responsible for this. You must let The Bar of Ireland know as soon as you find a master. You will not be permitted to commence membership without a master.
We would advise that Master/Pupil relationship is vital for establishing your practice at the Bar and we recommend where there is indecision or difficulty it is better to wait and get this relationship right.
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Can I send in my application if I have to repeat exams?
You must submit your application before the closing date of 30th June regardless of exam results. The application fee of €150 is non-refundable.
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How many photographs are required and do I need to sign the back of them?
We require one photograph only and you do not have to sign the back.
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Is the photograph submitted with the application used for the website?
No. A professional photographer will be on-site on the morning of your Pre-Admission interview to take your photograph for the website. We ask that you arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time to accommodate this.
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How many years can I wait after being called to the Irish Bar before I join the Law Library?
Currently there is no time limit.
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Can I skip the Pre-Admission Interview?
No. We can facilitate a Pre-Admission telephone call but this is not ideal and should be avoided where possible.
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What do I wear to the Pre-Admission Interview?
As we provide a photographer on the morning of your Pre-Admission interview we recommend that you dress accordingly as this is your website photograph and the initial representation of your professional persona.
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How long does the Pre-Admission Interview last?
We recommend you give yourself 2 hours to facilitate process, there is a general introduction, followed by individual meetings. We expect it to last no more than an hour but this is your opportunity to raise any questions you may have with your new colleagues; we suggest you are not rushed.
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Can I miss the Orientation day in September and still commence practice?
We strongly recommend you attend the orientation day for your benefit. It is a comprehensive introduction to allow new members to hit the ground running. It can therefore be a hindrance in your first weeks to have missed orientation. If you have submitted an application to join the Law Library you can attend Orientation regardless of Call date or exam results date.
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Can I commence membership without Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)?
As with payment you must submit your PII 10 days before the commencement of Michaelmas term. Your application process is not complete until we are in receipt of same and you will not be permitted to commence practice without PII in place.
15. Can I commence membership without Registering on the Roll of Practising Barristers?
Your application process is not complete until we are in receipt of confirmation of your registration and you will not be permitted to commence practice if you fail to register on the Roll of Practising Barristers.
16. I cannot register on the Roll of Practising Barristers until after my call to the Irish Bar and I am in the late call in Michaelmas term?
Your application process remains incomplete until we are in receipt of confirmation of your registration on the Roll of Practising Barristers and you will not be permitted to commence practice until after the late call and after you have submitted confirmation of your registration on the Roll of Practising Barristers.
If you have any questions that have not been answered here please email memberservices@lawlibrary.ie and we will be happy to answer same and add to our FAQ’s – if there is information that you feel is unclear, please let us know. Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you to membership