Mayo students get insight into legal profession
Emily Doherty, from St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina, participated in The Bar of Ireland’s Look into Law Transition Year Programme. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography
The Bar of Ireland took Mayo students inside the courtroom earlier this month with the commencement of its Look into Law Transition Year Programme.
Now in its eleventh year, the programme welcomed students representing 60 schools from across Ireland. Of the participating schools, 23 were DEIS schools, accounting for 38%, reflecting the Bar of Ireland’s continued commitment to diversity and outreach.
The Mayo schools took part in an application process to secure their places on the programme with students from St Mary's Secondary School, Ballina and St Patrick's College, Lacken Cross participating.
Established in 2015, the Look into Law programme has welcomed hundreds of students, some of whom have gone on to pursue a career at The Bar. It offers Transition Year students a thorough understanding of the legal system, court proceedings, and the responsibilities of barristers.
Across the week, students explored the legal world in an immersive way, gaining insight into the day-to-day life of a barrister, visiting Kings Inn in Dublin and touring the historic Four Courts. They received an address by the Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell and took part in an audience with High Court Judge Mary Rose Gearty.
On the final day, students took what they learned during the week and participated in a mock trial allowing a realistic insight into the Irish legal system.
The overall aim of the programme is to provide a unique opportunity and access to the legal world that will both inform and inspire students of all backgrounds to consider a legal career as they pursue future studies and careers.
Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland Seán Guerin SC said: "We are delighted to welcome another cohort of Transition Year students into the Look into Law programme. By engaging directly with the profession and seeing the law in action, students gain invaluable insights into how justice is administered and the vital role advocates play in society, embodying our commitment to broadening access to legal education and inspiring young people from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in law.”
