The aim of the internship is to increase diversity in law by providing opportunities for law students who come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds or have disabilities.

In partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the DPP and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, the internship has expanded this year to create exceptional learning and networking opportunities across all of those organisations.

The interns were addressed by: Maureen Noonan, legal intern at the Law Reform Commission; Mr Justice Frank Clarke, president of the Law Reform Commission; Rossa Fanning SC, attorney general; Catherine Pierse, director of public prosecutions; and by Maria Browne, chief state solicitor, who all remarked on the value of the initiative for both the interns and the bodies hosting them, and on the importance of improving access to opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Ms Noonan said: “A highlight of the internship for me was getting an insight into the legal public sector. I think this is a rare opportunity for a recent graduate and making such an internship specifically for people from an access background is something which is very special and greatly appreciated. The connections I made are invaluable.”