The Law Society of Northern Ireland is pleased to publish our Consultation Report on Enhancing Access to the Profession (August 2025).
Over the past year, we engaged widely with stakeholders to explore how we can make qualification pathways into the solicitor profession more accessible, inclusive, and future-focused.
Key findings include:
- Strong support for part-time/hybrid qualification routes, modern solicitor apprenticeships, returner programmes, and experience-based entry routes.
- Clear recognition that reform must be incremental and carefully managed to preserve standards, support smaller firms, and safeguard public trust.
The report sets out practical recommendations and a high-level action plan including:
- Introducing flexible qualification routes.
- Progressing a solicitor apprenticeship scheme.
- Reintroducing routes based on relevant legal experience.
- Developing a structured returners programme.
This consultation marks a significant milestone in the Society’s work to ensure that our qualification and entry pathways support both the current and future needs of the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland.
The full report, and more information on our responses to policy issues can be found here: Responses to Policy Issues
