Solicitors graduate at 'difficult time' as unemployment among profession grows

THE 32 new solicitors receiving their parchment at the Law Society yesterday are graduating at a “pretty tricky time”, President of the High Court Mr Justice Richard Johnson said yesterday.

The solicitors are beginning their careers in a week when new figures from the Law Society reveal growing unemployment among the profession. President of the Law Society John Shaw spoke of the “difficult market conditions” faced by the new graduates.

“A few of my friends are finding it tough. A couple of them have gone abroad travelling, a couple of them have been let go recently and some don’t graduate until May and don’t know if they will be kept on after that,” explained newly qualified solicitor Mary Byrne from Drogheda.

Ms Byrne has been kept on after her apprenticeship at a small firm in Dublin city centre. However, she said it is a different jobs market since she began the “long road” to becoming a solicitor seven years ago, through her degree, FE1 exams and apprenticeship.

“Things have changed. Even two years ago there were much more opportunities. But now people are fighting for their job and trying to cling on to what they have,” she said.

“It is hard for people. I am one of the lucky ones,” said 28-year-old graduate Caroline Connelly, who siad she is delighted she has been kept on at the Sligo firm where she did her apprenticeship

Alan Mullen is moving to China to work in a commercial litigation job. He is delighted with the chance to go and work in another country. He would like to have stayed in Ireland for a year or two to gain experience but decided to move straight away because of the economic climate.

He said some friends are being kept on by the company they did the apprenticeships with but are remaining on low apprentice wages.

Pat Rabbitte, Labour TD and guest speaker, told the graduates it was a time “none of us have ever seen before and I don’t think there is any road map out of it”.

He said they may have to adjust in the interim and consider doing other things. “A very difficult situation confronts you in your graduation year,” Mr Rabbitte said.

Justice Richard Johnson reminded graduates that they did not get into the profession to make lots of money. “It is not a business you are in but a profession, providing services to another citizen.”

He advised them not to get involved in dishonesty or sharp practices.

The ethical point was also emphasised by John Shaw, referring to recent acts of a very small number of solicitors which put the reputation of solicitors in danger. “No matter where you go, integrity, honesty and independence are central to your practice.”