Mayo trainee solicitors adapt to online learning

MAYO trainee solicitors were among 448 candidates to make history as the first group undertaking the Law Society of Ireland’s inaugural online Professional Practice Course II (PPC II).

Responding to Covid-19, the Law Society, like other educational bodies, has adapted to deliver 100% of its educational offering online, through pre-recorded eLectures, workshops and skills sessions supported by Zoom.

Director of education, T.P. Kennedy explains: “Bringing PPC II online is a historic day in the continuing development and modernisation of solicitor training in Ireland. We are delighted to welcome an enthusiastic group to PCC II online and are fully committed to providing excellent professional training to our future solicitors.”

To date, online participation in PPC II has been very high with 99% attending the welcoming lecture, 98% attending IT services and Zoom training tutorials and 84% attending the first Shrink Me Online sessions.

Trainee solicitor Tara O’Donoghue, Eugene F. Collins, is part of the Law Society’s PPC II cohort adapting to the new online structure.

“The Law Society has recognised the challenges facing trainee solicitors during Covid-19 and have given us extensive training and guidance on how to best manage our new online timetable,” she said.

“After a few weeks of using Zoom to catch up with colleagues between eLectures, it has now become second nature to send a link to friends or to our tutorial group,” she explained.

PPC II is a full-time on site training course at the Law Society that runs from April-July, where trainee solicitors return to Blackhall Place after a year of in-office training. The new structure provides all the benefits of traditional face-to-face tuition and a sense of connected learning within the Zoom classroom.

While using technology to meet the educational and extra-curricular needs of trainees, teh Law Society is also mindful of protecting their personal health and wellbeing.

Mr. Kennedy explained: “Throughout PPC II, the Law Society is offering free time concentrated therapy sessions, which support trainees in achieving positive mental wellbeing. The dedicated psychological services team provide counselling through confidential Zoom sessions in compliance with the highest of clinical, safety and GDPR standards.

“Shrink Me Online also provides a safe and positive platform for trainees to unlock their wellbeing through shared thoughts, ideas and engagement with the Law School community.”

* Pictured, the Law Society of Ireland's PPC II online class.