The Gazette 1967/71

REFERENCE NUMBERS ON LETTERS

MEMORANDUM ON LEGAL, EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Our reference: 1730/Vom/VK Your reference:

The Incorporated Law Society of Ireland have submitted to the Department of Justice proposals for amendment of Part IV of the Solicitors Act 1954 with a view to creating a more flexible system of legal education and training for solicitors having regard to the needs of the profession and its clients in circumstances of today. Under the existing legislation the main features of education and training are prescribed by statute with a compulsory system of apprenticeship for a term laid down by statute combined with a system of examinations prescribed by statute and imple mented by regulations made by the Society. The changes which can be made in this system are very limited. The Society have proposed as an alternative that the entire system of education, training and examination should be prescribed by regulations to be made by the Society under statutory powers. The matters to be dealt with by regulations would include: (a) Service under indentures of apprenticeship (if considered appropriate). (b) Other practical training. (c) Attendance at courses of legal or other education. The the Society to the Department include the following additional matters. (1) The recognition in whole or in part for the purpose of admission as a solicitor of practical training, courses of legal or other education and examinations by other bodies. (2) The provision of practical training, education and the holding of examinations jointly and in conjunction with the Hon. Society of King's Inns for persons registered as students with the Society and the students of the Inns on such terms as may be considered appropriate. (3) Reciprocal arrangements with the Hon. Society of King's Inns as regards 21 legislative proposals submitted by (d) The passing of examinations. (e) Obtaining a university degree. (f) Being registered as a student with the Society.

How often do we get letters which omit the reference of the person to whom the letter is addressed? Surely, as members of the one profes sion we can co-operate jn helping our colleagues. Even if we fail to think of our colleagues, could we not please think of our clients? The size of firms has enlarged by amalgamations over the last few years and it is now the experience of the larger firms that letters can be up to twenty-four hours unidentified through failure of the writer to give the reference of the firm to which the letter is addressed. This costs their colleagues time and hence, money in trying to identify the person who should deal with the case and also means that their own client's case is being delayed. To be fair, we as a profession are not the only offenders. Some civil servants could be awarded the occasional Oscar for failure to quote refer ences. Please try to think of your colleague and your own client. FUSION Report from the Council to the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure. 1. Full fusion as such is not advisable or in the interests of the general litigant at the present time. 2. There should be a common system of pro fessional education and qualification for all law students. 3. A member of either branch of the profession should be entitled to transfer from the other branch at any time with the minimum of formality. 4. Discussions should be held between the In corporated Law Society and the Honorable Society of King's Inn with a view to pro moting the necessary changes. 5. The basic essentials of a common system of professional vocational training are set forth in the attached memorandum.