P athways to Law was created in 2010 by Trinity Access in partnership with the School of Law in Trinity and the legal profession to increase social mobility in the higher professional areas for students from under-represented groups. Research within Ireland and the UK has highlighted that access to established graduate professions continues to be dominated by students from higher social classes, with limited access to those who belong to under-represented areas. Since its creation, over 400 senior cycle, second-level students from the greater Dublin area have participated in the programme which includes mock trials, guest lectures on campus and a summer school. This persistence programme over the course of fifth and sixth year allows students a glimpse into what the future might look like for them, and has been popular amongst students. For students who enter Trinity through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) programme or Trinity Access Foundation Course, the programme continues for the duration of their legal studies. Thanks to the support and commitment of Ireland’s leading legal professionals, students receive financial support, mentoring, skills development and career guidance which allows them to consider entering into Law as a long-term career objective. This model has made a significant impact in increasing access to the legal profession. It is a model that is now being replicated across the university sector and into other professional areas. Pathways to Law provides a framework for the legal profession to engage strategically with the issues of access and to put in place practical measures to ensure greater equity and diversity.
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