HOMS Solicitors congratulates students who completed Transition Year programme

The programme, facilitated by internal and external legal practitioners, trainee solicitors and guest speakers, featured a tour of the firm, a visit to Limerick courthouse to see a High Court case in session, and a Street Law style workshop involving practical investigation of a legal case.

Students were also given different roles in a mock trial where witnesses were cross-examined, barristers made opening and closing statements, and associate solicitor Michael Murphy acted as judge.

Speaking to Irish Legal News afterwards, Mr Murphy said: “One of the most engaging elements of the programme was the mock trial which I presided over in which the students took the roles of prosecution and defence counsel and witnesses.

“This involved considerable preparation on the part of the students, who were advised upon the applicable rules of court to be observed and the students responded very well to these challenges, demonstrating excellent public speaking, debate and analytical skills that will be important should they pursue a future career as an advocate.

He said the event was a “great success” and he looked forward to welcoming the students back as “future interns / trainee solicitors, should they elect to pursue a law degree”.

Mr Murphy added: “By investing in the education sector, HOMS is also investing in its ability to recruit and retain the best candidates as part of our commitment to our own personnel and succession planning.

“The success of these initiatives is reflected in the fact that we were rated sixth out of the top ten 2017 legal graduate employers in Ireland by Grad Ireland.”

More information about next year’s Transition Year programme is available by contacting Maeve Brosnahan on 061-313222 or maeve.brosnahan@homs.ie.