Navigation trail

• Home page
• Types of jobs
• Legal profession
• Solicitor, private practice (Northern Ireland): Job description and activities

Solicitor, private practice (Northern Ireland): Job description and activities

The work of solicitors in Northern Ireland is very similar to that of their counterparts in England and Wales. The number of solicitors in Northern Ireland is considerably smaller with approximately 2,400 solicitors, working in approximately 550 firms.

Typical work activities include:

• advising clients on taking legal action to address their problems;
• conveyancing;
• the preparation of wills;
• a wide range of services to businesses;
• representing and defending those accused of crime or facing civil prosecution.

The route through training and qualification as a solicitor is somewhat different in Northern Ireland than in England and Wales. The two year apprenticeship combines practical training with a one year vocational course. Two such courses are offered:

• Certificate in Professional Legal Studies from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) ;
• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice from the University of Ulster Graduate School of Professional Legal Education .

Applications must be submitted by 15 November each year and selection is based upon degree result and a test conducted in the Christmas vacation.

Non law graduates can take a Master in Legal Science at QUB before applying for an apprenticeship.

The The Law Society of Northern Ireland is the governing body for solicitors in Northern Ireland and sets the required education and training for qualifications.

For more information see Commercial solicitor.

AGCAS

Written by Tim Bradshaw , College of Law

Last updated:

October 2009

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer