Diploma in Law

This postgraduate Diploma in Law course is aimed at non-law graduates seeking to further their knowledge of law to enhance their current role or those who wish to progress further with a career in law. Applications will be considered from suitable non-graduates with a significant and demonstrable level of work experience in the area of law.

Register to attend our Virtual Open Evening on Wednesday 30 June from 5.30-7pm.

Programme structure and approach to learning

The Diploma in Law from the Law Society of Ireland has been created for those seeking a greater knowledge of the law, professionals who would like to gain new skills and, in turn, add value to their current roles, and graduates keen to acquire new expertise and who are thinking of commencing the solicitor qualification.

An intensive postgraduate diploma spread over eight modules, this course is designed for those who require an introduction to the discipline of law in a number of core areas. This course is unique in that it integrates the academic theory with the practice of law. Our module tutors are experienced practitioners and are well placed to provide instruction in the various substantive topics of law with the added benefit of being able to relate to the real life practice of law when required.

Modules

The programme is based on the following module scheme and covers key themes as listed below:

Semester 1 (September – January)

• Module 1: Constitutional Law,
• Module 2: Criminal Law,
• Module 3: Contract Law,
• Module 4: Tort.

Semester 2 (February – May)

• Module 5: Company Law,
• Module 6: EU Law,
• Module 7: Property Law,
• Module 8: Equity or Employment Law.

Introduction to the legal system

We launch the course with an additional online module which acts as a support to students beginning their studies in law. Available for the duration of the course, it features online activities, self-assessed quizzes, suggested readings and video content. This online material is supported by a number of follow-up revision sessions and interactive workshops held throughout the course. The aim of the module is to equip students with the necessary skills they need to study law and to approach examinations and assignments with confidence.

Topics covered include:

• An introduction to the Irish legal system,
• Sources of Irish law,
• Civil & Criminal Procedure,
• Remedies,
• Reading judgments,
• The legislative process,
• Introduction to legal writing,
• How to answer exam questions,
• Legal research.

Course structure

Students can choose between a one-year or two-year option of study to best suit their needs. Those students who select the two-year option generally elect to study two modules per semester.

Our innovative blended learning approach affords ultimate flexibility in terms of accessing our course and this may appeal to those who are working or based outside Dublin whilst undertaking the diploma. Lectures may be attended onsite, ‘live’ online, or played back on demand.

Lectures are held weekly on a Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8.30pm with a monthly block release weekend on a Friday and Saturday. The Saturday workshop sessions form an integral part of the course design and are intended to consolidate what is learned in lectures. They offer an opportunity to participants to work in smaller groups, facilitated by experienced practitioners working through relevant problem-based case studies. Each module will also comprise a skills session tailored to the particular topic and there will be additional specific workshops on legal writing and examination techniques.

Assessments

All modules are assessed through a mix of continuous assessment (written assignments and online tasks) and a written examination. Examinations are held at the end of each semester. Semester 1 examinations take place in January and Semester 2 examinations are held in June. Students are allowed to bring unmarked copies of permitted legislative sources into the exam in a number of modules.

• First Semester Examinations: dates tbc.
• Second Semester Examinations: dates tbc.

Who should attend?

This course is open to non-law graduates from any discipline or suitable non-graduates with a demonstrable level of work experience in the area of law. Students have the option to study the programme over one or two academic years via blended learning.

Faculty

This course is unique in that it integrates the academic theory with the practice of law. Our module tutors are experienced practitioners and are well placed to provide instruction in the various substantive topics of law with the added benefit of being able to relate to the real life practice of law when required.

Course tutors include:

• Dr Gabriel Brennan, Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland,
• Anna Broderick, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital,
• Damien Coffey, Solicitor, Sheehan and Partners,
• Tom Conlon, Solicitor, DPP Ireland,
• Claire Cummins BL,
• Victoria Cummins, Legal Counsel, Ulster Bank,
• Dr Aoife Beirne BL,
• Dr Claire Hogan BL,
• Shauna Gillan BL,
• The Hon. Judge (retired) Patrick McMahon,
• John Darby, Consultant, Flynn O’Driscoll,
• Nora O’Mahony, Solicitor,
• Joe Thomas, Partner, O’Reilly Thomas,
• Damien Conroy, Partner, General Litigation, Augustus Cullen Law,
• John Lunney, Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland,
• Ciaran Doherty BL,
• Julie Galbraith, Senior Associate, Eversheds Sutherland,
• Cormac Little, Partner, William Fry,
• Padraic Courtney, Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland.