Top ten of 2024
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Agenda for Justice
The Law Society published its policy priorities, titled ‘New Agenda for Justice’, in November 2024, focusing on (i) access to justice for all; (ii) delivering a modern and effective courts system; (iii) reforming property law to speed up housing transactions; and (iv) widening access to legal qualifications. The Law Society is committed to advocating for these reforms to improve the justice system, the legal sector, and society as a whole.
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Active representation
In 2024, the Law Society made a total of 35 submissions to Government and other bodies on proposed legislation and policy, including submissions on jury reform, the Electronic Commerce Act and promoting the use of e-signatures, the CCPC’s revised guidelines for merger analysis, and environmental legal costs.
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Combatting Cybercrime
Solicitors can now stay fully up to date on developments in cybercrime through the Law Society’s Cyber Security Online Hub. It provides information, fraud alerts, and training to raise awareness and boost protection for solicitors and their firms. A new from the Law Society’s Library brings together books, e-books, journal articles, professional guidance, legislation and other useful resources in one location.
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Breaking down barriers
The Law Society’s Access Programme helps those seeking to enter, return to, or progress their careers within the solicitors’ profession with the aim of breaking down barriers. In 2024, a total of 35 trainees joined the PPC fused courses through Access funding, which has helped to train 236 solicitors.
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Regulation supports
A new regulatory communications function has increased practical support and guidance for solicitors. The Law Society’s ‘Regulation Answers helpline and hub’ is free for solicitors and provides a range of guidance and information resources on all areas of regulatory compliance.
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Rural practice grants
In 2024, the Law Society funded five further grants under the Small Practice Traineeship Grant Scheme. The grants – worth €25,000 each – were made available to assist rural practices with the cost of employing a trainee solicitor. This initiative encourages traineeships in regional firms and bolsters small practices, ensuring access to legal services in smaller communities and supporting the next generation of solicitors.
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Preventing burnout
Over 1,000 legal professionals from around the country registered for the sold-out Wellbeing Summit on legal culture and preventing burnout. Running since 2020, this annual complimentary webinar heralds a diverse mix of speakers from a legal and non-legal background who share a passion for mental health, with the purpose of encouraging a healthy and productive legal profession.
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AML unit leads the way
A new AML unit within the Law Society’s Regulation Department has been established to enhance support for solicitors in meeting their anti-money-laundering obligations. The unit is part of a broader effort to improve regulatory communication and provide practical guidance to the profession.
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Expanding horizons
In 2024, over 26,400 participants attended 176 Continuing Professional Development courses offered by the Law Society. Topics ranged from legal updates to specialist areas, such as cyber security, AI, and ESG. A free, open online course on Environmental, Social, and Governance attracted 3,500 participants from 78 countries, reinforcing the Law Society’s commitment to upskilling.
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Looking to the future
The Law Society’s Professional Practice Course (PPC) welcomed 542 trainee solicitors, while 2,604 candidates took the FE-1 entrance exams. Of the 100 trainees who joined the PPC Hybrid course in December, 65% were based outside of Dublin, while over one-third were aged 30 or older, with 74% being female.