The Law Society of Ireland has launched the Peart Commission Report, developed by an expert group chaired by Mr Justice Michael Peart of the Court of Appeal.

Future focus

The report contains 30 recommendations setting out a vision for the future of solicitor training in Ireland. Law Society of Ireland Director General Ken Murphy said, ‘training solicitors to meet any and all challenges they will face in their careers is some of the most important work the Law Society does. Mr Murphy explained, ‘implementing the Peart Commission recommendations will have several benefits. It will further increase access to the profession for trainees across diverse educational, professional and socio-economic backgrounds and ensure the Law Society maintains its prominent position as an innovative professional legal educator globally.’ He added, ‘the Law Society’s education model is deeply rooted in the public interest and focussed on the future.’

Three themes

The Commission’s recommendations fall under three main themes of access, innovation, streamlining. More funding will be made available for the Law Society’s Access programme., supporting students from a background of socio-economic disadvantage. The Law Society’s current use of digital educational technology will be further developed to meet skills needs for ‘2020 and beyond.’ The current two-part ‘sandwich course’ model, known as PPC I and PPC II, will be changed into a more streamlined, single course. Mr Murphy said, ‘today’s client is more knowledgeable and tech-savvy than ever before. The Law Society’s vision is to train 21st century solicitors who will meet and exceed the exacting requirements of their clients and their firms.’ The commission’s report can be found here.