100 students representing 100 schools from across the country, including 32 DEIS schools, attended The Bar of Ireland’s Look into Law Transition Year Programme last week. Every morning they shadowed a barrister in small groups learning about day-to-day life at the bar. In the afternoons they convened in larger groups of 25 participating in guided tours and talks.
On Monday and Tuesday they were based in the Distillery Building, Church Street hearing from a wide range of people who are involved in the justice system in different ways, including junior and senior counsels, legal affairs correspondents, members of An Garda Siochána, a member of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and defence solicitors.
On Wednesday and Thursday the students met members of the judiciary in the Four Courts and the Criminal Courts of Justice, learning more about life on the bench. They also learnt the history of the Four Courts, and its role in Irish history, as well as enjoying a tour of the historic King’s Inns building hearing about the traditions of the King’s Inns, and getting the opportunity to wear the student gowns.
On Friday, the mock trials took place in the surroundings of Green Street Courthouse. These mock trials provided the students with a unique, interactive experience where they got the opportunity to act the parts of witnesses, the registrar and members of the jury. It is consistently mentioned as a highlight of the week.
Finally, they returned to the Distillery Building to be met by the Chairman of the Council of The Bar of Ireland and received their certificates of participation from the Chief Justice, The Hon Mr Justice Frank Clarke. This year’s group of students were an engaged and interactive group and The Bar of Ireland wishes them every success in whatever future careers they choose, and we hope to see some of them returning here one day as a barrister.
11 February 2019
