Call from the Bar

NORMALLY the call is to the Bar but in a new twist, a call has come from the Bar for transition year students to consider a career in law.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, has launched a Bar of Ireland TY programme that encourages students from the around the country, and from all backgrounds, to consider a career at the Bar - and Mayo students are being asked to apply.

One-hundred transition year students from around Ireland will participate in the programme next February, with 20 places being reserved for students from DEIS schools. A new competition for entry was revealed at the launch, which will see students reflect on their legal aspirations in an 800-word essay.

Activities during the week-long programme will include mock trials, court visits, talks from the Chief Justice and court gardaí, and shadowing a working barrister.

More than 25 barristers are involved in the running of the programme, including the chair of the Bar of Ireland, David Barniville, S.C. Sara Moorhead, S.C., is the programme coordinator.

Mr. Barniville stated: “The Bar represents a very exciting career opportunity for young people with an interest in access to justice and civil rights. Barristers today have a varied and stimulating work load, providing specialist advocacy and advisory services in a wide variety of areas and in many different arenas aside from the courtroom, such as arbitrations and mediations.

“Through all our outreach programmes, including the transition year programme, we want to engage as widely as possible to promote the changing face of the Bar of Ireland and to encourage more diverse participation in the profession.”

Schools in Mayo are asked to submit details of the winners of their individual essay competitions to the Bar of Ireland before Wednesday, December 16. For further information, see www.lawlibrary.ie.