'It doesn't matter where you come from' - Offaly student is a solicitor of the future

A Transition Year (TY) student from Offaly is a Solicitor of the Future after successfully completing the Law Society of Ireland’s innovative TY Programme. 

Sarah Tierney, St. Brendan's Community School, Birr, was one of 40 TY students that attended the popular week-long Solicitors of the Future programme at the Law Society in Dublin from 18 February to 21 February 2025.

The programme aims to teach students about the law and to consider a future legal career. 

Facilitated by Law Society staff, trainee solicitors, and expert practitioners, the activity-based programme featured expert-led workshops, guest speakers, courtroom activities, a careers seminar and a mini mock trial. In total, 40 students from schools across 13 counties participated.  

READ NEXT: ALERT: Offaly driver with clean licence told they have penalty points by insurance company

President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said, “Solicitors of the Future encourages TY students to consider a career in law while offering an insight into the role of a solicitor in practice. The programme is carefully planned to give students a holistic understanding of a legal career, and the many different forms this can take.  

“From human rights lawyers and newly qualified solicitor guest speakers to visits to corporate law firms and the Criminal Courts, students are given an overview of the wide range of avenues a career as a solicitor can take.”  

Places on this year’s programme were allocated on a lottery basis, with 20% of places held for students from DEIS schools across the country.  

“The programme also highlighted to students that there are many practical supports available to help you qualify as a solicitor, including financial grants such as the Law Society’s Access Scholarship Programme.” 

“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background, a career in law is open to everyone,” he said.