FAQ's

Your questions answered...

When can I apply?

You can apply during your final year in college or anytime afterwards. We are currently recruiting for 2011 but we may have a small number of places for 2010. Our online application form must be completed and submitted by midnight on Monday, 2 November 2009 and we will respond to all applicants before the Christmas break.

Do I have to be a law graduate to apply?

No, we consider candidates from all academic disciplines. But you do need an excellent academic record though not necessarily legal, work experience and a strong desire to become a leading solicitor.

Do I have to pass my FE-1 exams before applying?

You can apply before you sit your FE-1 exams but you must pass them before you start. For more information on when they are held and what they cover please consult the Law Society of Ireland website (www.lawsociety.ie).

If my application was not successful before can I apply again?

Of course. Tell us what you have done since you last applied or were interviewed and we would be delighted to consider you again.

When can I start?

Typically Trainees join either in September when PPC I starts at Blackhall Place or earlier in the same year if they wish to gain experience before going to Blackhall Place (up to 4 months’ credit is given by the Law Society for in-office experience gained immediately before PPC I). Some people also like to fit in some extra studies or overseas travel before starting a traineeship and we are happy to consider such situations and agree an appropriate start.

When do I go to Blackhall Place and when do I work at William Fry?

You have two options. Start your traineeship with a rotation in the Firm before attending PPC1 at Blackhall. Alternatively, you can go directly to Blackhall Place and begin your rotations with the Firm on completion of PPC1. Whichever option you choose, the overall in-office training programme is 24 months. If you undertake a rotation pre-PPC1 you will get up to four months’ credit and you will undertake a shorter final rotation post-PPC2.

For more detailed information on traineeship options please download the PDF below:

Traineeship Options.pdf (0.13 MB, Adobe PDF)

Do you offer jobs to Trainees when they qualify?

William Fry has a strong track record as regards retention when Trainees qualify and a policy of filling vacancies at Assistant Solicitor level from our Trainee pool. The precise number of jobs in any given year will vary depending on the economy but we always aim to retain as many Trainees as possible.