The Bar of Ireland's "Look into Law" Transition Year Programme is an exciting initiative aimed at increasing students' awareness of the work of The Bar of Ireland and to encourage students to consider a career in law. This annual "Access all areas" programme aims to encourage schools and students from a wide cross-section of society to apply to take part.
Usually there is a limit of 100 students taking part each year, but the pandemic has meant that the five-week course went online for 2021, with over 10,000 pupils signing up to it.
Chief Justice Mr Frank Clarke outlined the role of the courts, judges, and lawyers in Ireland's legal system and said that apart from being of interest to students who want to pursue a career in law, this information provides an overall understanding of the country in which we live.
The TY course covers a broad range of material from explaining civil and criminal law, breaking down legal terminology and showing the importance of good communication skills in the courtroom. Students also get a virtual tour of King's Inns where barristers do their training.