Look Into Law Transition Year Programme

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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, took place on Monday 5th to Friday 9th February 2018, the programme aims to encourage schools and students from a wide cross-section of society to apply to take part. The next Look into Law programme will take place in February 2019 and the application process will open on Monday 22nd October and close on Monday 19th November 2018 at 5pm.

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. All schools will be notified by shortly after if they have been successful or not. Students can come from Transition Year up to 6th year.

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 member of An Garda Siochana
  • A talk from a member of the DPP and a defence solicitor
  • 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

The application process for 2019 will open in October. 

Student Testimonials

"I feel honoured to be the first student to participate from my school in this programme. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The Bar of Ireland for their flawless organisation of the programme and the genuine kindness and knowledge they displayed to every student throughout the week. I believe this programme has greatly influenced my view on what I would like to become later in my life."

Dylan Glancy, Lanesboro Community College, Longford

"Participating in the mock trials in Green Street Courthouse was probably the highlight of the entire week. It was fantastic to have the chance to put what we had seen in the courtrooms all week into practice."

Dearbhla Tracey, St. Colmcille’s School, Knocklyon, Dublin 16

"It was an absolute privilege to have had such a unique opportunity to explore the legal system in Ireland. I also had the honour of meeting Chief Justice Susan Denham. Truly, was one of the best weeks of my life!"

Oisίn Bowyer, Carndonagh Community School, Co. Donegal

"I most enjoyed the trips to the Four Courts and the Criminal Courts of Justice because I was able to see the court setting and how barristers work. The tour of the King’s Inns was absolutely fantastic, to see all those painting, wear the robes that students wear to dine and see the huge dining room."

Weronika Ozog, Mount Carmel Secondary School, Dublin 1