Diploma in Legal Studies & Practice

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS            		Applicants should meet the standard entry requirements for level 7               

                                                    		 Programmes (min. of 5 ordinary level D3s in the Leaving Certificate)

                                                            		    Mature learners: Students over 23 years of age on the 1st of January                 

                                                            		   on the year of admission may apply as a mature student. Mature

                                                           		   students are assessed on the basis of age & work experience and may                

                                                     		   be interviewed in advance of admission.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course comprises elements of academic, vocational and skills training for those who wish to pursue a career as a Legal Executive. The programme was developed in consultation with the Irish Institute of Legal Executives (IILEX) taking into account the level of knowledge, skill, competences and ethical awareness required by a professional legal executive working in the Irish legal environment. This Diploma is the only Legal Executive course recognised by the Irish Institute of Legal Executives in Ireland.

Course Profile

A Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice is awarded upon successful completion of the programme. Graduates will be eligible for enrolment as Associate Members of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives. All those enrolled on this course are eligible to become Student Members of the Institute.

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide students with an academic grounding in the traditional core legal subjects, whilst also focusing on the practical application of core legal principles in the work environment. The study of legal practice and procedure is undertaken specifically with the role, duties and responsibilities of the Legal Executive in mind. During the course of the programme, the learner will be provided with instruction in a wide range of academic and practical legal subject areas.

About IILEX

The Irish Institute of Legal Executives was formed in 1987 and incorporated in 1992.

Legal Executives are professionals who hold legal qualifications and are members of The Irish Institute of Legal Executives. They assist in the operation of general and specialist legal matters with Solicitors, Barristers, in the Courts of Ireland, and within other areas of commercial and legal practice. Legal Executives perform their duties according to the highest standards of integrity and conduct, as required by the legal profession, the Code of Rules of the Institute, and the law of the Republic of Ireland.

COURSE OUTLINE & STRUCTURE

This Diploma programme has been designed with input from past graduates, members of our legal academic team, from employers in legal practice and from The Irish Institute of Legal Executives.

The majority of students will complete the Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice in one academic year.  Students will attend class three evenings per week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) from 6.00pm – 10.00pm each evening. Students can also choose to undertake the course over two academic years by attending class two evening per week one year, and one evening per week another year.

The course will commence in early October each year and students are also invited to an induction meeting with the lecturing staff and support team before term starts. The programme finishes in late May.

On successful completion of the 60 credit (twelve subjects) programme, students will be awarded a Diploma in Legal Studies and Practice and are eligible to become Associate Members of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives.  Graduates may enter the first year of the LLB (Hons) in Irish Law degree in Griffith College Cork or Dublin. More details on further study and progression routes are available from the Course Director and the support team.

COURSE CONTENT

§  Introduction to the Irish Legal System

§  Professional Ethics & Skills for Practice

§  Law of Contract

§  Law of Torts

§  Constitutional Law & Judicial Review

§  Civil Litigation

§  Criminal Law

§  Land Law

§  Conveyancing

§  Criminal Practice & Procedure

§  Family Law *

§  Company Law *

§  Employment Law *

§  Mortgages *

* These modules will be offered as electives. Elective modules are offered subject to demand.