Marcus Walsh

The eight-week programme, run in partnership with the Irish Refugee Council, begins on 12 September 2024 and will be delivered virtually for most modules.

It seeks to empower asylum seekers and refugees to better advocate for themselves and know their rights in Ireland, covering areas including the legal system, employment, housing and healthcare among others.

Launched in Ireland in 2021, the programme has been delivered to more than 400+ people in Ireland. DLA Piper works with the Irish Refugee Council to tailor the course to meet the issues faced by asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland.

In 2022, DLA Piper announced a partnership with Deloitte to offer asylum seekers and refugees paid employment opportunities in Ireland following the successful completion of the programme. The programme provides a clear pathway into Deloitte’s internship programme for asylum and international protection seekers in Ireland.

This year, DLA Piper Ireland recruited its first intern from the programme, with plans to expand the internship in 2025.

Marcus Walsh, legal director and head of pro bono at DLA Piper Ireland, said: “Through the Know Your Rights programme, and in partnership with the IRC, we seek to empower asylum seekers and refugees by increasing their core knowledge on important legal issues and teaching them about their rights in Ireland.

“This programme is a signature part of DLA Piper’s global pro bono practice and in addition to providing clear information about legal rights, the programme also provides clear pathways to paid employment in Ireland. This year, we recruited our first paid intern from the programme.

“The purpose of internship was to give an intern exposure to the Irish and international business environment with plans to expand the internship next year.

“We would encourage other corporates in Ireland to consider partnering with the DLA Piper’s ‘Know Your Rights’ programme opening pathways to paid employment for those seeking to build new lives in Ireland.”

Nick Henderson, CEO at the Irish Refugee Council, said: “We are delighted to partner again with DLA Piper on the Know Your Rights programme. This will be the fifth programme in Ireland, and it is needed more than ever.

“The programme fills a significant gap in providing important information to people seeking protection and refugees about a range of rights, entitlements, and responsibilities in relation to a broad range of issues that are crucial to someone building a new life in Ireland.”

Adrienne Daly, head of social impact at Deloitte Ireland, said: “We are very pleased to continue to support the DLA Piper Know Your Rights programme by creating a pathway into our internship programme in Deloitte for asylum and international protection seekers in Ireland.

“Over the past four years, we have seen an exceptional level of talented professionals join Deloitte through our Internship programme.

“Most importantly, the internship provides employment for the participants that matches their skill and experience level. It also provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate to our business and clients the ease and importance of hiring people of all backgrounds.

“Diverse teams create stronger teams, and the internship programme is a true example of what diversity can bring to our business.”

Those interested in participating in the September Know Your Rights programme must complete the online registration form.