A&L Goodbody has launched its fifth annual Bold Ideas student competition alongside an announcement that it will recruit around 40 graduate positions over the coming months.

Bold Ideas challenges under- and post-graduate university students across Ireland to identify a legal, business or political challenge facing Ireland - and think of a “bold idea” to address it.

This year’s theme, Changing Times - Ireland’s Future, is open to students of all disciplines.

For the first time, members of the public will be invited to vote for their favourite submission on the firm’s trainee and intern Facebook page.

The first prize winner will receive €4,000 in cash and a Summer internship at A&L Goodbody’s head office in Dublin. The firm will also make a donation on the winner’s behalf to a charity of their choice.

John Whelan, head of A&L Goodbody’s international technology practice, said: “Bold Ideas is designed to inspire student creativity and bold thinking as they look at the Ireland they want to help create for the future. We are one of the most successful countries in the world for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) however there are always challenges ahead. We want students to think of innovative and achievable solutions to these challenges.”

Last year’s winner, Diarmuid Hickey, added: “The Bold Ideas competition is the single best thing I have done during my time at university. It gave me incredible opportunities to work with one of Ireland’s most prestigious law firms and expand my knowledge on a topic that was new to me. The chance to present my idea in front of such a prominent judging panel was a very valuable experience, and I loved my time with A&L this summer. I would encourage all students to enter the Bold Ideas competition.”

At the competition launch, A&L Goodbody also announced its intention to recruit approximately 40 graduate positions over the coming months as part of its Trainee Solicitor Recruitment Programme.