Look Into Law Transition Year Programme

The Bar of Ireland's "Look into Law" Transition Year Programme is an exciting initiative aimed at increasing students' awareness of the work of The Bar of Ireland and to encourage students to consider a career as a barrister. This annual "Access all areas" programme, takes place on Monday 5^th to Friday 9^th February 2018, the programme aims to encourage schools and students from a wide cross-section of society to apply to take part.

The programme is aimed in particular at those who would otherwise have no access to the Bar. To help achieve this, 20% of places are reserved for DEIS schools.100 places are available with 20% given to DEIS schools and the remaining places allocated by a random lottery draw performed by The Bar of Ireland on Wednesday 22^nd November 2017. Students can come from Transition Year up to 6th year and the application process will open Monday 23^rd October and close at 5pm on Monday 20^th November 2017.

Because of the high levels of interest in this programme and the limit of 100 places, schools are asked to nominate one student per year to participate in the programme. Applications can only be made through the school and not individually. Any applications received outside the application process dates will not be accepted.

Programme Contents

In the mornings, participating students will be assigned to groups where they will shadow a designated barrister. They will be introduced to the many different facets of a barrister's working life and will have the opportunity to experience the reality of life as a barrister.

During the afternoons, the students will participate in a range of different activities and students are expected to attend all organised activities:

• Trial viewing
• A tour of King's Inns
• A tour of the Four Courts
• A walk-through of the Criminal Courts of Justice
• A talk from a Court Garda
• A talk from a sitting Judge
• A talk from a Legal Affair Correspondent
• Participate in an interactive Mock Trial

The highlight of the week is the mock trial, held in the Green Street Courthouse, where students participate in a case complete with judge and barristers. This provides the students with a unique, interactive experience where each student is given a role to play in the courtroom including defendant, witnesses and jury members.

Upon completion of the programme, each student is presented with a certificate to mark their participation.

How To Apply

Schools are asked to send the full name and contact details of their nominated student to transitionyear@lawlibrary.ie between Monday 23^rd October and Monday 20^th November at 5pm, 2017.  For full application details click here.

Student Testimonials