¾«Æ·¹ú²ú×ÔÏßÎçÒ¹¸£Àû

The Law Society of Ireland is inviting applications for its Access Programme which provides financial and practical supports to assist people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue a career as a solicitor. The Access Programme is part of the Law Society’s work to widen access to legal education. The deadline to apply for the next programme is Friday 16 May 2025. 

Limerick solicitor Vanessa Blake, a Law Society Access Programme recipient, shares her experiences of receiving the grant and qualifying as a solicitor. 

“I am from Limerick City where I attended a local DEIS secondary school. The DEIS programme aims to reduce educational disadvantage and through this, I was afforded the opportunity of assistance such as grinds, after school study and various other resources,” she explained.

“My goal was always to attend third level education, however, I was unsure if this was attainable. The combined assistance of the DEIS and Access Programme made it possible. 

“I attended the University of Limerick for four years and I graduated in 2019 with a LLB (Hons) Degree in Law Plus. I was the first member of my family to complete third level education. As soon as I graduated, I began my studies for the FE-1s (solicitor entrance exams).”

Widening access to legal training

Vanessa said, “The first time I was introduced to the Law Society Access Programme was while I was studying at university. The Access Programme assisted me with my expenses. It contributed to and, in some instances, totally covered the cost of my travel and overnight stays in Dublin when completing the FE-1s and PPCI & PPCII (professional solicitor training courses).   

“At the time I had a part time job with minimal hours, but the programme alleviated financial strains for me and enabled me to focus purely on my studies, which in turn allowed me successfully complete the FE-1s, and PPCI & PPCII.  

“When I contacted the Law Society Access Programme team, I was re-assured that all my fees would be covered, except for a small contribution which was to be made by me or my training firm.   

“To add to this, I was also allowed assistance for overnight stays in Dublin, which we all know can be quite expensive, and travel expenses to commute between Limerick and Dublin.

“On foot of my graduation from the University of Limerick I was offered, and successfully completed, a training contract in Leahy Reidy Solicitors and was entered into the Roll of Solicitors in February 2024.   

“I am fortunate to work in a firm that exposes me to a wide area of legal practise together with working with solicitors that carry an abundance of experience.   

“There is one thing I can say with confidence, had it not been for the Law Society Access Programme I would not be where I am today.”  

Apply now

The Law Society Access Programme aims to assist students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds by covering the costs of:  

• Final Entrance Exams – First part (FE-1) fees 

• Professional Practice Course (PPC) - training fees 

• Maintenance and course materials 

• Mentoring, CV and interview assistance 

• Right through to admission to the Roll of Solicitors. 

The programme accepts applications twice a year with application deadlines every six months. The next deadline is Friday 16 May 2025. 

For more information and to apply, visit Law Society Access Scholarship or email access@lawsociety.ie