Internship Programme for Law Students

Internship Programme for Aspiring Barristers 

The Bar of Ireland is delighted to this year pilot an internship programme as an immersive introduction to life as a barrister.  

This programme is open to students currently enrolled on a law programme that is listed on the schedule of approved qualifications for admission to the Barrister-at-Law degree; in their penultimate or final year; and interested in pursuing a legal career at the Bar.  

About the Internship

This two-week internship will give students the opportunity to gain a taste of life as a barrister. Participants will be assigned two barristers and will spend the morning shadowing those barristers. In the afternoons students will participate in other activities, including those directed at legal research skills, advocacy and alternative dispute resolution. There will also be a social networking opportunity to which you will be invited. 

The programme will run from Monday 23rd June to Thursday 3rd July 2025 (Monday to Thursday)

This programme has been designed for students who are passionate about pursuing a career as a barrister.  

Benefits for Interns 

Interns will get the opportunity to: 

  • Participate in a busy and immersive two week programme 
  • Interact with barristers at all levels both professionally and socially 
  • Gain an insight into the daily life of barristers 
  • Learn valuable research and advocacy skills 

Interns will be remunerated at the statutory minimum wage rate for their participation in the programme.  

Application Process

Application is via your Law School. All universities/institutions offering legal programmes which are on the schedule of approved qualifications for admission to the Barrister-at-Law degree are invited to nominate two students to apply for a place on this pilot programme. Only students who are available for the dates given should apply to take part.

Each Law School will use their own selection process in order to nominate their two students so please refer to the information provided by your Law School. 

Nominated students will be invited to complete an application form and four students will be selected to take part in the pilot programme in June 2025.

Timeline

Expressions of interest to universitiesBefore Friday 14th March
Nominations by universities/institutions to The Bar of IrelandTuesday 18th March
Nominated students to be provided with an application form by the Bar of IrelandTuesday 18th March
The Bar of Ireland to receive all completed applications9am, Tuesday 1st April
The Bar of Ireland to inform all students of the outcome of the selection processTuesday 15th April
Deadline for acceptance of placeMonday 28th April
Internship programmeMonday 23rd June to Thursday 3rd July 2025

All unsuccessful candidates who were nominated by their university/institute will be invited to attend The Bar of Ireland for an Open Day on Monday 7th July. 

Terms & Conditions

Owing to the nature of barristers’ work and to facilitate access to the law library services, interns will be required to sign a temporary employment contract and confidentiality agreement. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The programme is open to all students enrolled on a law programme that is listed on the schedule of approved qualifications for admission to the Barrister-at-Law degree; in their penultimate or final year; and interested in pursuing a legal career at the Bar.

Interested students should express their interest to their University/Institute Law Department Head by Friday 14th March.

Each university/institution offering legal degrees will nominate two students from the expressions of interest. Of those nominated, four students will be selected by the Bar of Ireland to participate in the programme.  

All unsuccessful candidates who were nominated by their university/institute will be invited to attend an Open Day at The Bar of Ireland on Monday 7th July. 

For more information on the Internship Programme, please contact The Bar of Ireland at yourcall@lawlibrary.ie  

Yes, the two-week internship programme is paid (statutory minimum wage).

Four students will be selected to participate in the pilot programme.

The application form will require personal details, academic background, and a statement of interest explaining why you want to pursue a career as a barrister.

Yes, there will be social networking events where interns can interact with barristers and other legal professionals.

No, students must be nominated by their university/institution to apply for the programme.

No, for this pilot programme, only undergraduate students nominated by their university/institution will be considered. This will be kept under review for future years.