T P Kennedy

The law school is one of only six educational institutions in Ireland to achieve this status, which it will hold until 2024.

T P Kennedy, director of education at the Law Society, said: “This internationally acclaimed achievement is the culmination of an almost decade-long drive to innovate the way we deliver best-in-class legal education to future generations of solicitors in Ireland.”

Trainee solicitors receive an iPad when they begin the full-time two-year professional practice course (PPC), alongside practical training in the use of Apple technology. Law school faculty receive regular training to stay up to date with new developments.

“Integration of Apple products and apps into every aspect of the student experience has allowed us to adapt to the changing nature of education pre-Covid and beyond,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Throughout the pandemic, our trainee solicitors always have a single device through which they can participate in group tutorials, deliver presentations, view video lectures, and complete exams securely.”

He said the iPad has been “instrumental” to the success of the hybrid PPC introduced in 2019, which blends online and on-campus sessions and is particularly popular with those living outside of Dublin.

Mr Kennedy added: “The Apple distinguished school award acknowledges the Law Society’s hard work to develop and modernise solicitor training in Ireland.

“In addition to the need to possess an acute understanding of the law and its application, modern solicitors must also be equipped with the digital skills necessary to serve clients in a globalised Ireland. Our iPad programme helps achieve this and more.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the way education is delivered. The Law Society of Ireland’s law school is at the forefront of this change.”