TAP Legal Eagles Descend on Trinity

Posted on: 08 June 2016

The annual summer school for the Pathways to Law programme is currently taking place on campus and continues until the end of the week.

Up to 40 5th year students from TAP-linked schools across Dublin are attending the four-day programme, which will see them take part in a range of activities designed to enhance their legal knowledge and skills, while also giving them a taste of what studying in Trinity is like.

Participants will attend lectures from barristers and members of the Law School, get to check out the campus sports facilities and attend workshops with both the Phil and FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centre).

In addition, actor Aoibheann McCann will be providing a voice master-class to the students, similar to the one she provided for practising barristers as part of a King's Inns advocacy course earlier in the year. The week culminates in a mock trial where students get to play the role of witnesses and lawyers in front of Professor Blanaid Clarke, The McCann Fitzgerald Professor of Corporate Law.

The TAP Pathways to Law initiative, which began in 2010, has been developed in partnership with Trinity’s School of Law and aims to inspire students from under-represented groups who are interested in the law and to give them the confidence, knowledge and tools to maximise their potential.

The programme works intensively with students from senior cycle in second level, right through to degree completion, providing a variety of supports and experiences. Pathways to Law includes: university sessions, practical activities, shadowing, mentoring, learning and engagement opportunities and a hands-on summer school for 5th year students.

The practical and financial support of law firms, individuals and professional bodies in the legal profession is vital to the success of Pathways to Law and TAP gratefully acknowledges the support of Arthur Cox, Mason Hayes and Curran, Matheson and William Fry.