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by HRHQ Editorial Team
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has published a plan to address the barriers facing many newly qualified and early career solicitors and barristers. The plan was noted by Government at a Cabinet meeting.
Minister McEntee asked the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) to submit a plan to implement the recommendations of its Breaking Down Barriers Report.
The report, which was published in September, examined how a range of issues such as financial means, geography and professional connections can act as obstacles to progression for those studying or starting out in the legal professions.
Welcoming the development at Cabinet, Minister McEntee said:
“We must do everything possible to widen and increase access to education, training, and career opportunities. Any person who has the skills and determination to pursue a career in the legal professions should be empowered to do so, irrespective of their social or economic background, gender, ethnicity or where they are from.
“The Breaking Down Barriers Report identified key areas in need of reform, and this implementation plan identifies a clear and cohesive path by which this reform can be achieved.
“To ensure continued momentum and progress, I have requested that the LSRA provide progress reports to my Department every 6 months.”
The plan contains 32 recommendations, and the implementation process will be led by the CEO of the LSRA, who will also chair the Barriers Implementation Working Group.
Relevant professional bodies will be invited to nominate representatives to sit on the Working Group, which will hold quarterly progress update meetings with the legal professional bodies, the Law Society of Ireland, the Honourable Society of King’s Inns and the Bar of Ireland.
The LSRA Breaking Down Barriers Implementation Plan can be accessed here: https://www.lsra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LSRA-Barriers-Report-Implementation-Plan-FINAL.pdf
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