at NUI Galway

School of Law

www.nuigalway.ie/law

2017-2018 Undergraduate Degrees

Contact Details: T: + 353 91 49 2752 E: law@nuigalway.ie www.nuigalway.ie/law

www.facebook.com/schooloflaw

www.twitter.com/NUIGLaw or @NUIGLaw

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Students choose to study law at university for many reasons. Some wish to pursue a professional career as a solicitor or barrister, others wish to keep options open by getting a valuable grounding in law or law and other disciplines.

The broad range of options available to undergraduate students at our School provide a secure path to traditional law careers as well as other possibilities such as journalism, banking, human rights, accountancy, tax consultancy, lecturing and employment in the civil service and non-governmental organisations.

These options are explained in greater detail in this brochure and I encourage you to contact us directly if we can be of assistance in further explaining or clarifying information regarding our three main undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Civil Law, B.Corp.Law or our B.A. (Law).

Employability is at the heart of our teaching mission. With that in mind we have developed an innovative and original programme of Clinical Legal Education through which students gain invaluable work experience and develop practical legal skills.

Our graduates enjoy success at the highest levels in Ireland and abroad and we are immensely proud of their achievements as a testament to the solid legal education that they received at NUI Galway.

Professor Donncha O’Connell Head of School

Welcome

WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF LAW AT NUI GALWAY

MEET SOME OF THE STAFF FROM THE SCHOOL OF LAW

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DR. JOHN DANAHERProgramme Director of B.C.L.

Lecturer in Contract Law & Banking Law

DR. CONNIE HEALYLecturer in Company Law,

Business Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution

DEIRDRE CALLANANProgramme Director of BCorp Law

Lecturer in Health & Safety Law

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Meet some of the staff

DR. EOIN DALY Lecturer in Constitutional Lawand Administrative Law

TOM O’MALLEYLecturer in Criminal Lawand Administrative Law,Commissioner of the Law ReformCommission, Member of theSteering Committee of the IrishSentencing Information System

URSULA CONNOLLYLecturer in Tort and Irish Legal Systems

DR. IOANNA TOURKOCHORITILecturer in Jurisprudence,Applied Legal Theory andComparative Law

DR. CIARA SMYTH Lecturer in Public InternationalLaw, Human Rights and Refugee &Immigration Law, Board member ofthe Irish Refugee Council

DR. CONOR HANLYLecturer in Criminal Law andThe Criminal Jury

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SPECIAL FEATURESErasmus/Year Abroad: At the end of second year, interested students may opt to join the B.C.L. International Programme which involves spending third year at a university in mainland Europe, USA, China, Canada or Australia. These students then return to complete their degree programme in Galway in fourth year. See page 5 for further information.

PLACEMENT: The B.C.L. provides an opportunity in final year for a number of students to participate in a work experience programme. This involves placement in a suitable work situation which students find both enjoyable and beneficial to their studies.

INTERNSHIPSStudents are encouraged to apply for a variety of highly competitive summer internships based in Ireland and in the United States. In Ireland, students have interned at the Superior Courts, in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Office of the Attorney General. Students interned at large law firms both in the West of Ireland and in Dublin. Internationally, we have internships in Boston arranged jointly by the Law School and Suffolk University Law School in Boston.

FURTHER EDUCATIONFurther study can lead to the LL.M. or Ph.D degrees. Taught LL.M. programmes on offer include LL.M.s in Public Law; International Human Rights; Peace Operations; International Criminal Law; Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

FIND OUT MORESchool of LawTel: + 353 91 492752Email: law@nuigalway.ieWeb: www.nuigalway.ie/law

BACHELOR OF CIVIL LAW (B.C.L)

COURSE LEVEL: 8 DURATION: 3 YEARS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate including Irish, English, another language and any three other subjects recognised for entry purposes (see page 21).

COURSE OVERVIEWThe Bachelor of Civil Law is a three year law degree. It seeks to impart a solid grounding in law and the academic foundation necessary to prepare for entry to the legal professions. All core law subjects as required by the professional bodies are covered as well as a number of complementary optional courses. It is also possible to take a language - Legal French or Legal German. Students not taking a language may also participate in the Erasmus or International programmes.

WHY B.C.L?If you have a keen interest in all aspects of the law and you wish to take all the required subjects to study for the legal professions in a single degree - then the B.C.L. is for you. The B.C.L. allows you to focus on law subjects alone or with a language. You can then proceed to take the entrance examinations to become a solicitor or a barrister. As a B.C.L. graduate you will possess the knowledge and skills to develop your legal career with confidence.

*First Round

CAO CODE: GY251

Find out more about the Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.)

ENTRY POINTS 2017: 435* - 590

AVERAGE INTAKE: 65

Maggie MacAonghusaBachelor of Civil Law at NUI Galway and graduate of the University of Oxford. Judicial Research Assistant.

“For me, civil law in NUI Galway has proved to be an excellent choice. A law degree is the perfect spring board into many different careers as it gives you a solid base but leaves your options open. I have found the lecturers here to be of an outstanding class; absolute experts in their field while still being approachable and friendly. In NUI Galway, you get the opportunity to have a go at a wide selection of subjects and really find out what interests you most whether it is Criminal Law or the Law of Torts. I also took advantage of the language scheme provided and will be leaving with French as well as my law degree.”

What our students say

STUDY ABROAD: CONVERT TO BACHELOR OF CIVIL LAW (INTERNATIONAL)

CAO CODE: GY251

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WHY B.C.L (INTERNATIONAL)?If you have a keen interest in all aspects of the law and you wish to take all the required subjects to study for the legal professions in a single degree - then the B.C.L. is for you. The B.C.L. allows you to focus on law subjects alone or with Legal French or Legal German. You can then proceed to take the entrance examinations to become a solicitor or a barrister. As a B.C.L. (International) graduate you will possess the knowledge and skills to develop your legal career with confidence.

SPECIAL FEATURESErasmus/International Study Abroad: • Unique opportunity to combine

studying law with languages and spend third year studying abroad.

• For non-language students the option to study abroad in year three is also very attractive.

See Page 11 for further information.

COURSE OVERVIEWThe B.Civil. Law (International) is a four-year version of the existing B.Civil Law programme involving a one-year period of study in year three at an approved university or third level institution outside the state in mainland Europe, USA, China, Canada or Australia. The International stream is optional and is open to not only Legal French and Legal German language students but also non-language students.

Interested students must apply to the Law School in their second year to spend third year abroad and on the successful completion of this year would take final B.Civil. Law in their fourth year.

Students graduate with the B.C.L. International Degree and if they study a language their language is also specified in their degree.

By studying law at NUI Galway, you have the added option of studying abroad for one year and graduating with the BCL (International) degree.

Watch a student testimonial

Jason McGoldrick Bachelor of Civil Law (International)

“The chance to study at Shantou University was an opportunity I am thrilled to have availed of. The modules offered by the law school were incredibly interesting , with the university also offering foreign students a comprehensive course in Mandarin for the year. The local area, and country as a whole, has a rich and unique culture. It was an amazing experience to reside and study here for a year.”

What our students say

BACHELOR OF CIVIL LAW (B.C.L)

LANGUAGE B.C.L. International (with Legal French/Legal German)1

The same placement, internships and further education opportunities exist for BCL (International) students.

STUDENTS NOT TAKING A LANGUAGE B.C.L. International2

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BACHELOR OF CORPORATE LAW (B.CORP. LAW)

SPECIAL FEATURESErasmus/Year Abroad: At the end of second year, interested students may opt to join the B. Corp. Law International Programme which involves spending their third year at a university in mainland Europe, USA, China, Canada or Australia. These students return to NUI Galway to complete the fourth year of their degree. Further details on page 7.

PLACEMENTThe BCorp Law provides an opportunity in final year for a number of students to participate in a work experience programme. This involves placement in a suitable work situation which students find both enjoyable and beneficial to their studies.

INTERNSHIPSStudents are encouraged to apply for a variety of highly competitive summer internships based in Ireland and in the United States. In Ireland, students have interned at the Superior Courts, in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Office of the Attorney General. Students interned at large law firms both in the West of Ireland and in Dublin. Internationally, we have internships in Boston arranged jointly by the Law School and Suffolk University Law School in Boston.

FURTHER EDUCATIONFurther study can lead to the LL.M. or Ph.D degrees. Taught LL.M. programmes on offer include LL.M in Public Law; International Human Rights; Peace Operations; International Criminal Law; Economic Social and Cultural Rights.

FIND OUT MORESchool of LawTel: + 353 91 492752Email: law@ nuigalway.ieWeb: www.nuigalway.ie/law

COURSE LEVEL: 8 DURATION: 4 YEARS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes (see page 21).

COURSE OVERVIEWThis four-year degree programme allows students interested in business and law to study a range of legal and business subjects. Students can also study a language (Legal German, Legal French, or Spanish) and spend year 3 studying abroad. These students graduate with the BCorp Law International with language. Students may take all core law subjects required by the professions during the four years of the B Corp, and can also study a range of other exciting law and business subjects. Students not taking a language may also participate in the Erasmus or International programmes.

WHY B. CORP. LAW?As a graduate of the B. Corp. Law you will be equipped with a variety of unique and distinctive skills in both Law and Business. In addition, you will have a language if you choose to study one of the languages on offer. The aim of the programme is to prepare students for careers as corporate lawyers in business, industry, management, administration and similar fields.

ENTRY POINTS 2017: 385* - 535

AVERAGE INTAKE: 65

CAO CODE: GY250

Mahmoud AbukhadirBachelor of Corporate Law and LL.B - Winner of the A&L Goodbody Bold Ideas and the Thomas Addis Emmet Fellowship

“Studying Corporate Law and the LL.B has given me many opportunities and elevated my future prospects to new heights. Being in this course I was immersed in both Business and Law modules. This is essential, especially in the current economic climate. Jobs are scarce, and with this course you have the option of going down either route upon graduation. It offers you a wide choice of career paths. These three years have honestly been the best years of my life. Being in Corporate law has allowed me to pursue a degree which is tailored to my interests, develop as an individual, meet new people, make many friends, and, most of all, pursue a great career!”

Find out more about the Bachelor of Corporate Law

What our students say

*First Round

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WHY B. CORP. LAW?As a graduate of the B. Corp. Law you will be equipped with a variety of unique and distinctive skills in both Law and Business. In addition, you will have a language, if you choose to study one of the languages on offer. The aim of the programme is to prepare students for careers as corporate lawyers in business, industry, management, administration and similar fields.

SPECIAL FEATURESErasmus/International Study Abroad: • Unique opportunity to combine studying

law with languages and spend third year studying abroad.

• For non-language students the option to study abroad in year three is also very attractive.

See Page 11 for further information.

COURSE OVERVIEWThe B.Corp. Law (International) is a four-year version of the existing B.Corp Law programme involving a one-year period of study at an approved university or third level institution in year three outside the state in mainland Europe, USA, China, Canada or Australia. The International stream is optional and is open to not only Legal French, Legal German and Spanish language students but also non-language students.

Interested students must apply to the Law School in their second year to spend third year abroad and on the successful completion of this year would take final B.Corp. Law in their fourth year.

Students graduate with the B.Corp Law International Degree and if they study a language their language is also specified in their degree.

Watch a student testimonial

CAO CODE: GY250

By studying law at NUI Galway, you have the added option of studying abroad for one year and graduating with the B. Corp Law (International) degree.

B. Corp. Law (International with Legal German)

BACHELOR OF CORPORATE LAW

LANGUAGE B. Corp. Law International (with Legal French/Legal German/Spanish)1

The same placement, internships and further education opportunities exist for B. Corp. Law (International) students.

STUDENTS NOT TAKING A LANGUAGE B. Corp. Law International2

Jessica RichterBCorp Law (International with Legal German)

Jessica secured a Summer internship and leadership training on the Washington-Ireland Programme (WIP) in Washington DC.

STUDY ABROAD: CONVERT TO BACHELOR OF CORPORATE LAW (INTERNATIONAL)

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BACHELOR OF ARTS ( JOINT-HONOURS) IN LAW

COURSE OVERVIEWThe B.A. ( Joint-Honours) in Law programme gives students the opportunity to combine the study of law with the study of other Arts subjects. e.g. a language, Sociological and Political Studies and History.

In First Arts all students may take Law as one of their three subjects. The average class size in first year is 200. In Second Arts there is a limit of 100 on the number of students admitted to Law. Places are allocated on academic merit, based on the results in the First Arts examination in Law. Students who are admitted to second year will take Law with one other Arts subject to degree level.

WHY B.A. IN LAW?The B.A. in Law is a broad degree which offers you a wide variety of subjects to choose from. It will provide you with a solid foundation in legal subjects, while also providing a well rounded degree.

FURTHER EDUCATIONB.A. in Law graduates must complete some additional core law subjects to meet the entrance and examination requirements of the professional bodies (to become a solicitor or barrister). Graduates of the B.A. in Law may proceed into the final year of the LL.B. programme in NUI Galway so that they can satisfy these requirements and broaden their knowledge of the law, while obtaining an additional degree.

FIND OUT MORE:School of LawTel: + 353 91 492752Email: law@nuigalway.ieWeb: www.nuigalway.ie/law

COURSE LEVEL: 8

DURATION: 3 YEARS(BA DEGREE)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language and three othersubjects recognised for entry purposes (see page 21).

ENTRY POINTS 2017: 300* - 615

AVERAGE INTAKE: 1000(For First Arts as a whole)

Ruth Cormican Graduate Bachelor of Arts (Law) and LLB. Recipient of: Thomson-Reuters-Round Hall Law Prize, Lexis Nexis Butterworths Law Prize, Suffolk University Law School (Boston) Internship and Fulbright Scholarship. “I decided to study law through the Bachelor of Arts because I was drawn to a career in international law and human rights. Choosing the Arts route gave me the flexibility to study law while also developing my language skills, and to approach the law from a more multidisciplinary basis.”

Find out more about the Bachelor of Arts (Joint-Honours) in Law

What our students say

CAO CODE: GY101

*First Round

LAW IN BACHELOR OF ARTS (PUBLIC & SOCIAL POLICY) LAW IN

BACHELOR OF COMMERCE• Second Year: Sociology of Law,

Constitutional Law, Health Law and Policy

• Third Year: European Union Law and a choice of other law modules from an extensive range of options.

The BA (Public and Social Policy) provides a solid, innovative and attractive educational foundation in the policymaking process, and will open up career possibilities for graduates in central and local government, the EU, non-governmental organisations and other bodies involved in the policy process.

BA (Public and Social Policy) graduates wishing to pursue a career in law may be admitted to the LLB programme (the full law degree), and exempted from first year, leaving two years to complete.

FIND OUT MORE: School of Law Tel: + 353 91 492752 Email: law@nuigalway.ie Web: www.nuigalway.ie/law

This three-year degree programme aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the sources of public and social policy, and the implications of that policy for social institutions, individuals and the political system. It draws on key elements of legal, social, political and economic theory, and aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the functioning of legal, political and economic systems.

In their final year, students take some optional courses from all three disciplines: Economics, Law, and Sociology and Political Science. Thus, they develop specialisations in their chosen policy areas covering health, crime, family, economics, the environment, housing, human rights, social inclusion and other areas. Finally, all the strands of the course are drawn together in the Policy Seminar, which examines a range of issues from legal, economic, social and political perspectives.

The specific law subjects available in this programme are:• First Year: Key Issues in Irish Law, Irish

Legal Systems, Law and Social Policy

A range of law subjects, including Business Law, Company Law and European Union Law, is offered in the B Comm programmes. A number of B Comm graduates who have taken the required number of law subjects may be admitted to the full law degree (LLB) and exempted from first year.

Interested students should apply to the CAO for a place on one of the B Comm programmes.

For further information on the B Comm programmes, see the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics section of the prospectus.

ENTRY POINTS 2017: 320* - 615

CAO CODE: GY103

ENTRY POINTS 2017: 400* - 500

CAO CODE: GY201

Page 9*First Round

LEGAL GERMANThis is available to students on both the Bachelor of Corporate Law and Bachelor of Civil Law programmes. It is taught at two levels – beginners and advanced. C3 in Honours German in the Leaving Certificate is required to take Advanced German. In the first year of the Advanced German course, students consolidate and develop their language skills, while the Beginners German course covers the basic elements of grammar and vocabulary. Students are also introduced to the German legal system. The acquisition of legal and commercial terminology is an important aspect of the second year course. Following completion of the second year, students have the opportunity to spend two semesters studying law and language at a German university. In the final year, particular emphasis is placed on the ability to express legal concepts and ideas and argue convincingly in oral and written German.

LEGAL FRENCHFrench is available to students on both the Bachelor of Corporate Law and Bachelor of Civil Law programmes. C3 in Honours French in the Leaving Certificate is required. In the First Year students are introduced to the specificities of the French Legal system including topics such as the sources of French law, the courts structure and the role of the European institutions. Following completion of the second year, students have the opportunity to spend an academic year studying at one of our partner universities in France. This year will help you develop strong linguistic skills, critical thinking capabilities, and the ability to think and act creatively.

SPANISHThis is available to students on the Bachelor of Corporate Law programme. It is taught at two levels – beginners and advanced. Classes offer practice and consolidation in spoken and written language skills. Following completion of the second year, students have the opportunity to spend an academic year studying at one of our partner universities in Spain. This year will help you develop strong linguistic skills, critical thinking capabilities, and the ability to think and act creatively.

For more information on any of the above programmes, please visit: www.nuigalway.ie/law

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STUDYING A LANGUAGE AS PART OF YOUR LAW DEGREE

Students can take a language to degree level in Bachelor of Civil Law (GY251) and Bachelor of Corporate Law (GY250) and graduate with an International Law Degree in their language.

Students can take a language to degree level along with Law in the Bachelor of Arts programme (GY101).

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INTERNATIONAL STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

If you would like to experience University in another European country during your time at NUI Galway, then the Erasmus programme is for you.

The Erasmus & International Programmes are designed to encourage students to expand their university education by doing part of their academic work in another European or International university.Students who study law at NUI Galway can apply to attend the following universities:

Belgium: Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenDenmark: University of AarhusFrance: Insitut d’Etudes Politiques d’Aix en Provence Université de Clermont – Ferrand l Université de Poitiers Université de Toulouse Université Montesquieu - Bordeaux IVGermany: Georg-August Universität Göttingen Bayerische Julius-Maximillians-Universität WürzburgHungary: University of BudapestItaly: Università degli Studi Bologna Università degli Studi di SienaSpain: Universidad de Granada Universidad de SalamancaThe Netherlands: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Universiteit LeidenChina: Shantou UniversityAustralia: University Of Technology, SydneyCanada: University of OttawaUSA: University of Maine

Studying Abroad

Students not taking a modern language may still participate in the Erasmus or International programme through our links with universities in Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, USA, Canada, China and Australia.

The Law School has long participated in the E.U.’s Erasmus mobility programme, and this year has been no different – thirty-eight law students will spend the coming academic year in various universities around Europe. For the second time, the Law School has opened a suite of non-Erasmus study-abroad options to undergraduate and postgraduate law students. Six students will spend the coming year at Shantou University, China, the University of Ottawa, Canada and the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.

Visit our website: www.nuigalway.ie/law/students/abroad/

Aoife MurphyBachelor of Civil Law (International with Legal German)

My Erasmus year in Göttingen was one of the most invaluable experiences of my life on both a personal and academic level. The aim of my Erasmus year was to improve my language skills, but I could never have anticipated how much more I gained from the overall experience. Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures have been one of the high points of my education. Erasmus has given me a fantastic opportunity to network with law firms and has also encouraged me to get involved with the German Society and the German community of NUI Galway. I would recommend studying a language and doing an Erasmus year to any incoming students because it has really broadened my horizons.

International and Erasmus Law Students

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WHERE CAN YOU GO WITH A LAW DEGREE FROM NUI GALWAY?

While many graduates of law at NUI Galway become solicitors, barristers and judges, there are various alternative options. Many past graduates are employed in sectors such as:

• Banking • Accountancy • Tax Consultancy • Journalism • Lecturing • Civil Service • Irish Human Rights Commission • Non-governmental Organisations

MARK JORDAN Bachelor of Corporate Law

“I graduated with a B.Corp.Law in 2010 and an LL.B in 2011. I now work as a Tenlaw Research Fellow at the University of Southampton. As well as teaching Land Law to second year students on the LL.B programme at the University of Southampton, I work under the supervision of Prof. Peter Sparkes when drafting reports on housing in Ireland and Scotland for the European Commission as part of the EU Tenlaw project. In 2013 I presented a paper on security of tenure in hybrid public-private leasing arrangements at the ENHR conference in Tarragona. Prior to beginning work at Southampton, I worked as a researcher at the Office of the Attorney General and at Ballymun Community Law Centre, during which time I also tutored Land Law, Company Law and Business Law at NUI Galway. I was fortunate to enjoy the support of Dr. Padraic Kenna at NUI Galway. He encouraged me to pursue a career in Housing Law and we have kept in touch since my time in Galway.”

OLIVIA MULLOOLY Bachelor of Civil Law

“I graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree from NUI Galway. After graduation, I worked as a legal researcher in the Office of the Attorney General before spending a year studying at the University of Cambridge, graduating with a Masters in Law. I am now working as a solicitor in the Technology & Life Sciences team in Arthur Cox, a large corporate law firm in Dublin. I advise on technology and intellectual property issues such as copyright and trade mark protection, licences and agreements, data protection, e-commerce and betting and gaming law. I really enjoyed my three years studying at NUI Galway and the broad range of subjects meant I was able to tailor my degree to suit my interests. The quality of the teaching is excellent and I found the lecturers to be extremely helpful and always willing to offer advice and assistance.”

What our graduates say

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, INTERNSHIPS AND PLACEMENTSOur Law degrees are internationally recognised and graduates may pursue opportunities to work at the New York State Bar, in Canada, Australia, UK and Northern Ireland. Many graduates choose to undertake professional training and qualify as a solicitor or barrister. To qualify as a solicitor graduates must complete the professional training programme for solicitors with the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. To qualify as barristers, graduates must undergo a one year training programme with the barristers professional body at King’s Inns then must ‘devil’ for a least a year with an experienced barrister. Further details can be found on page 16.

Students are advised to check the latest entry requirements with the relevant professional bodies:

Incorporated Law Society (Solicitors) www.lawsociety.ie

The King’s Inns (Barristers) www.kingsinns.ie

For more Information on Career Opportunities & Further Education see: www.nuigalway.ie/law/postgrads/

INTERNSHIPS & PLACEMENTS Students can learn a great deal about the law from being immersed in a legal environment. To that end, students are encouraged to apply for a variety of highly competitive summer internships based in Ireland and in the United States. In Ireland, our students have interned at the Superior Courts, in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Office of the Attorney General. We also have a number of students interning at large law firms both in the West of Ireland and in Dublin. Internationally, students are also encouraged to apply for internships in Boston arranged jointly by the Law School and Suffolk University Law School in Boston.

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NUI Galway Law Graduates

JUDGE MARY FAHERTYJudge of the High Court, former chairperson of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and member of the Mahon Tribunal. Current 5th President of UN Appeals Tribunal

DR. GEOFFREY SHANNONChairperson of the Adoption

Authority and Special Rapporteur on Child Protection.

HARRY MCGEEJournalist at the Irish Times.

DR. GEARÓID Ó CUINNFounder of GLAN (Global Legal Action Network), formerly Ceartas – Irish Lawyers for Human Rights.

MÁIRE WHELAN S.C.First woman Attorney General and NUI Galway law graduate. Appointed in 2011 and reappointed in 2016.

Dr Brian Tobin

Students are placed for two months in an internship that closely matches their main professional interests; students have interned in the District Attorney’s Office, the family and Probate Court, the Massachusetts appellate courts, and Prisoner Legal Services.

Dr Brian Tobin is the Director of Student Career Development at the School of Law. He establishes and maintains links with various local and national organisations that offer summer internship opportunities for NUIG law students.

CAREER’S WEEK In conjunction with the Career Development Centre at NUIG, the School of Law hosts “Careers in Law Week” every September during which students can network with representatives from all of Ireland’s major law firms at the “Law Firms’ Fair” and explore other exciting career opportunities both in and beyond the legal profession as the week progresses.

For more information, contact:Dr. Brian Tobin (brian.tobin@nuigalway.ie) for Irish-based internships. Dr. Conor Hanly (conor.hanly@nuigalway.ie) or Larry Donnelly (larry.donnelly@nuigalway.ie) for Boston opportunities.

EMPLOYMENT SUCCESSES Our graduates are employed in a variety of areas: • Solicitor/Barrister in Ireland • Chief State Solicitors Office • McCann Fitzgerald • A&L Goodbody • Mason Hayes & Curran • Arthur Cox • Ronan Daly Jermyn (RDJ) • Damien Tansey Solicitors

WORKING ABROAD • New York Bar • Australia • Canada • Northern Ireland • UK

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CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL OF LAW AT NUI GALWAY

The Clinical Legal Education Programme at the School of Law allows a number of final year Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Corporate Law students the opportunity to participate in a work experience programme. Students use their legal skills in placements with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and practising lawyers throughout Ireland.

Students work on a part-time basis and receive academic credit for their efforts. In so doing, they get to see how the theoretical legal concepts they learn in the lecture theatre operate in the “real world.” Students have worked in a variety of areas, including: the Equality Authority, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Mental Health Commission, Ability West and with lawyers who specialise in a number of different aspects of the law.

The placements provide students with a valuable learning experience and a chance to see how law can be an effective tool for advancing the public interest.

Those with an interest in the programme can learn more at:www.nuigalway.ie/law/students/cle/and are welcome to contact Mr. Larry Donnelly at:larry.donnelly@nuigalway.ie

What our graduates say“I work as an in-house lawyer for the Verizon Corporation. After graduating with a Bachelor of Corporate Law in 1999 and an LL.B in 2000, I accepted an internship with a New York corporation and sat and passed the New York State Bar exam.  Without the Bachelor of Corporate Law program I would never have had the opportunity to practice law in-house for a corporation.”Patrick M. Flaherty, Marketing, IP & New Media Law & Policy, Verizon, Virginia, USA.

“I interviewed with a couple of the big fivelaw firms and have received offers fromboth of them. I believe that it was due to mywork placement last year. They were reallyinterested in the work I carried out and itgave me an opportunity to demonstrate thatI could work on my own initiative outsideof the lecture theatre. It was an invaluablework experience and definitely a majorstepping stone.”Evelyn O’Donnell

“I really think the clinical placementprogramme was a big factor in getting a jobas a Legal Researcher with the NorthernIreland Law Commission. I owe my thanks tothis programme for that opportunity. I hopethe clinical placement programme continuesto be successful and students get as much outof it as I did”Joan Kennedy

Larry Donnelly, Director of Clinical Legal Education at NUI Galway

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STUDENT LIFE IN THE SCHOOL OF LAW

MOOT COURTMoot court (which is a simulated court) is now recognised for academic credit and is an activity where students, in teams, participate and compete in simulated court proceedings. The winning team is presented with the perpetual Ross O’Driscoll, B.L. Trophy.

Students research and prepare a case as if they are solicitors or barristers and are required to submit written briefs. They participate in oral argument usually before serving judges, facing questioning from the presiding judges and responding to the arguments presented by their opponents. The final grades are based on both the written and oral arguments.

Law students have several opportunities to get involved in mooting. All 1st year B.C.L. and LL.B. students will participate in a moot exercise as part of the Legal Procedure

module. The student Law Society also runs an annual Moot Court competition, and the students may also form teams to compete in externally-run competitions.

For more information, please contact Dr. Conor Hanly (conor.hanly@nuigalway.ie)

THE LAW SOCIETY The Law Society won the Phoenix Award in the NUI Galway Students’ Union Society Awards in 2016. There are over 80 student societies in NUI Galway and the Law Society is among the largest and most active of these. It is run by students for students and has regularly featured in the annual societies’ awards presented by the University.

The Law Society holds regular public events and has been addressed by many distinguished speakers including Professor Elie Wiesel, Justices Ginsburg and Scalia of the US Supreme

Court and former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan to name but a few.

The Society also organises many social events including the annual Law Ball which is a highlight of the University’s social calendar attended by approximately 500 students.

Further information: www.facebook.com/nuig.lawsoc

NUIG FLACIn 2011 a student branch of FLAC (the Free Legal Advice Centres) was established at NUI Galway. It has already organised a highly successful ‘Law Day’ and holds regular legal advice clinics to advise students on a range of legal issues.

Further information: www.flac.nuigalway.ie

Studying law at NUI Galway is more than attending lectures. There is a whole range of activities organised by the School of Law and the Student Law Society in which students are encouraged to participate.

NUI Galway law students taking part in the National Moot Court Competition at the Courts of Criminal Justice.

For more Information see: www.facebook.com/nuig.lawsoc

The Law Society receiving the Phoenix award at the NUI Galway Students’ Unions Society Awards, 2016.

SO WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOLICITOR AND A BARRISTER?Solicitors are the interface between the public and the courts’ system. If a member of the public has a legal issue, for example, wish to sell their house or have been involved in a road traffic accident or accident at work, they contact a solicitor. You will see solicitors’ offices in most towns throughout the country. They advise the client as to the best way to resolve the issue and, if the case needs to be taken before the local courts (the District Court or Circuit Court), the solicitor will prepare and represent the client in the court proceedings. Solicitors also negotiate settlement of court cases and undertake legal research.

If a legal issue is of a more serious nature and perhaps needs to be taken before the higher courts – the High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court – it may be necessary for a solicitor to also engage a barrister. The solicitor continues to act for the client and prepares the case for hearing. The barrister’s role is to work with the solicitor and argue the case in court. Barristers get their work through solicitors rather than directly from members of the public, therefore as a law student or trainee barrister, it is important to get to know colleagues that plan to qualify as solicitors and who will refer work to you in the future.

QUALIFYING AS A SOLICITOROnce you have completed your law degree, you need to pass the entrance exams for The Law Society of Ireland at Blackhall Place. All of the subjects that you need to study for these entrance exams will be covered during your degree. You also need to secure a traineeship with a solicitor. Once you begin the training you spend some time in the solicitor’s office, then you attend the Law Society for the professional training. Once completed you return to the office for more practical experience working on files. The training takes two years in total. Once you have successfully completed the traineeship you will be admitted to the role of solicitors. This takes place at Blackhall Place and your parchment will be signed by the President of the High Court. As a solicitor you are an officer of the court and have a duty to represent your client to the best of your ability within the bounds of the law and to adhere to the ethical standards of the profession.

QUALIFYING AS A BARRISTEROnce you have completed your law degree you need to pass the entrance exams for The Honourable Society of King’s Inns where you train as a barrister. You can either undertake the degree over the course of one year full-time or two years on a part-time basis. After been awarded your Bachelor of Law degree (BL), newly qualified barristers need to “devil” for one year. This means that

you spend one year shadowing a qualified barrister to learn how to advocate in court. This normally takes place with a barrister on the Dublin Circuit at the High Court. Generally, the barrister you are devilling with will begin to give you cases to deal with as you get more experienced. This also gives you an opportunity to network with solicitors building up your own client base. Many newly qualified barristers volunteer to devil for a second year, to gain more experience, prior to practising on their own. Once completed, you are in a position to take cases yourself and to represent clients before the courts.

WHAT IF, AT THE END OF MY LAW DEGREE, I DECIDE THAT I DO NOT WANT TO BE A SOLICITOR OR BARRISTER?If, at the end of your law degree, you decide that you do not want to enter the professions, there are still many advantages in having a law degree. The skills you learn will be of benefit to you in many other careers. Students who have decided not to become solicitors or barristers have gone on to pursue successful careers in journalism, within the public service, in academia, research, with insurance companies or in other corporate roles - directly as a result of the many skills they have learned such as analytical thinking, writing skills, communication skills, public speaking and presentation skills.

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HOW WILL I KNOW IF I WANT TO BE A SOLICITOR OR BARRISTER?

Throughout your law degree at NUIG, you will get the opportunity to participate in moot court competitions. These are simulated court cases where you will have the opportunity to act as either a solicitor or barrister. Engaging in these competitions will give you an insight into whether you wish to become a solicitor or a barrister. Students are divided into teams and argue different sides of the case through various heats. The finalists present before a Judge in the local courthouse. Last year’s competition was judged by Mrs Justice Mary Faherty Judge of the High Court and a graduate of NUI Galway.

2017 LAW UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSE OUTLINES

CourseOutlines

Page 17

Further information on all modules can be found at: http://www.nuigalway.ie/businesspublic-policy-law/school-of-law/courses/undergraduatecourses

Page 18

2017 LAW UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES OULINES

Bachelor Of Civil Law (BCL) GY251: Course Outline

YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE▶ Constitutional Law▶ Contract Law▶ Law of Torts▶ Irish Legal Systems▶ Sociology of Law▶ Intensive Legal Methods & Research I▶ Legal Procedure▶ Legal French/Legal German or Family Law

▶ Administrative Law▶ Company Law▶ Criminal Law▶ European Union Law▶ Intensive Legal Methods and Research II▶ Plus a number of options, including:

• Health Law• Human Rights• Housing Law• Media Law• Comparative Law• Criminal Justice• Intellectual Property• Law of the Sea• Information Technology Law• Legal French/Legal German

▶ Equity▶ Land Law▶ Plus a number of options including:

• Disability Law• Competition Law• Criminology• Environmental Law• English Land Law• Family Law• Jurisprudence• Evidence• Legal French/Legal German

Bachelor of Civil Law (International) GY251: Course Outline

YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE▶ Constitutional Law▶ Contract Law▶ Law of Torts▶ Irish Legal Systems▶ Sociology of Law▶ Intensive Legal Methods & Research I▶ Legal Procedure▶ Legal French/Legal German or Family Law

▶ Administrative Law▶ Company Law▶ Criminal Law▶ European Union Law▶ Intensive Legal Methods and Research II▶ Plus a number of options, including:

• Health Law• Human Rights• Housing Law• Media Law• Comparative Law• Criminal Justice• Intellectual Property• Law of the Sea• Information Technology Law• Legal French/Legal German

STUDY ABROAD Study a variety of legal and non-legal subjects, some of which are not available in Ireland.

YEAR FOUR▶ Equity▶ Land Law▶ Plus a number of options including:

• Disability Law• Competition Law• Criminology• Environmental Law• English Land Law• Family Law• Jurisprudence• Evidence • Legal French/Legal German

Page 19

Bachelor of Corporate Law (BCorp) GY250: Course Outline

YEAR ONE YEAR FOUR▶ Constitutional Law▶ Contract Law▶ Law of Torts▶ Irish Legal System▶ Legal Methods and Research▶ Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting and other business modules▶ Language (Legal French/Legal German/Spanish) or Business Information Systems

▶ Equity▶ Land Law▶ Essay▶ Language▶ Plus a number of core business modules▶ Plus a number of options from an extensive list see sample below:

*available to language students in Year Four

OPTIONAL LAW MODULES• Administration Law• Evidence• Jurisprudence• English Land Law• Banking Law• Consumer Law and Policy• Moot Court• Alternative Dispute Resolution• Law of the Sea

OPTIONAL BUSINESS MODULES• Management Accounting• Business Finance• Taxation• Economics• Marketing Principles• Management of Organisational Change• Management

YEAR TWO

▶ Company Law▶ Commercial Law▶ European Union Law▶ Economics▶ Management Studies▶ Management of Organisational Change▶ Language or Marketing/Business Finance

YEAR THREE

▶ Labour Law▶ Legal and Business Ethics

• Employment Relations• Cross Cultural Management• Essay

▶ Plus a number of options from an extensive list under year four.

Bachelor of Corporate Law (International) GY250: Course Outline

YEAR ONE YEAR FOUR▶ Constitutional Law▶ Contract Law▶ Law of Torts▶ Irish Legal System▶ Legal Methods and Research▶ Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting and other business modules▶ Language (Legal French/Legal German/Spanish) or Business Information Systems

▶ Equity▶ Land Law▶ Essay▶ Language▶ Plus a number of core business modules▶ Plus a number of options from an extensive list see sample below:

*available to language students in Year Four

OPTIONAL LAW MODULES• Administration Law• Evidence• Jurisprudence• English Land Law• Banking Law• Consumer Law and Policy• Moot Court• Alternative Dispute Resolution• Law of the Sea

OPTIONAL BUSINESS MODULES• Management Accounting• Business Finance• Taxation• Economics• Marketing Principles• Management of Organisational Change• Management

YEAR TWO

▶ Company Law▶ Commercial Law▶ European Union Law▶ Economics▶ Management Studies▶ Management of Organisational Change▶ Language or Marketing/Business Finance

YEAR THREE

STUDY ABROAD Study a variety of legal and non-legal subjects, some of which are not available in Ireland.

2017 LAW UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES OULINES

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LAW PROGRAMMES AND C.A.O. ENTRY POINTS (2017)

Course Name Course Code

Min. EntryPoints

What’s in the various Law Programmes

NormalDuration

B.C.L. (Bachelor of Civil Law)

GY251 435 - 590 Law subjects throughout and Legal German or Legal French as options

Three Years

B.Corp.(Bachelor of Corporate Law)

GY250 385 - 535 Law subjects combined with Business subjects and Legal French, Legal German or Spanish as options.

Four Years

B.A. ( Joint-Honours) Law

GY101 300 - 615(as per First

Arts)

Law is one of three subjects in First Arts and one of two subjects in Second and Third Arts. (See Arts prospectus for the B.A. subject list.)

Three YearsB.A. Law graduates complete the LL.B. in one year.

B.A. (Public and Social Policy)

GY103 320 - 615(as per First

Arts)

Law is one of three subjects in First Arts and one of two subjects in Second and Third Arts. (See Arts prospectus for the B.A. subject list.)

Three YearsB.A. Law graduates complete the LL.B. in one year.

SUMMARY OF LAW DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Bachelor of Arts ( Joint-Honours) in Law GY101: Course Outline

YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE▶ Law:

• Irish Legal System• Law of Torts• Legal Skills

▶ Plus two other subjects from the Arts subject groupings

▶ Law:• Constitutional Law• Contract Law• European Human Rights• Sociology of Law• Law of the Sea• Legal Methods & Research

▶ Plus one other subject chosen in first year

▶ Law:• European Union Law• Criminal Law• Administrative Law

▶ Plus the other subject chosen in second year

Bachelor of Arts (Public and Social Policy) GY103: Course Outline

YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE▶ Key Issues in Irish Law▶ Irish Legal Systems▶ Law and Social Policy

▶ Sociology of Law▶ Constitutional Law▶ Health Law and Policy

▶ European Union Law ▶ A choice of other law modules from an extensive range of options.

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1. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BARRISTER AND A SOLICITOR?Barristers argue cases in court and are self-employed. Solicitors also argue cases in court and are the interface between the client and the justice system. They provide clients with skilled legal advice and representation on all legal matters. They usually work in law firms, but commercial and industrial organisations also employ solicitors, as does the Civil Service.

2. HOW DO I BECOME A SOLICITOR OR BARRISTER?If you want to be a solicitor you must sit the professional exams of the Incorporated Law Society, and complete an apprenticeship in a law firm. More information on this is available at http://www.lawsociety.ie. If you want to be a barrister you must sit professional exams and complete a 1 year degree course at King’s Inns. You must also undertake an apprenticeship for a period of 1 or 2 years with a more experienced barrister. More information on this is available at http://www.kingsinns.ie and http://www.lawlibrary.ie.

3. CAN I WORK IN NORTHERN IRELAND OR ENGLAND AND WALES WITH A LAW DEGREE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND?If you want to work as a solicitor or barrister in Northern Ireland or England and Wales, you must complete professional training and exams there, as there may be specific entrance requirements. Information for Northern Ireland isavailable at http://www.lawsoc-ni.org/, for solicitors and at http://www.barlibrary.com/ for barristers. Information for England and Wales is available at http://www.lawsociety.org.uk, for prospective solicitors and at http://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/ for barristers.

4. IS THERE A CAP ON ENTRY TO SECOND YEAR WITHIN B.A. LAW?The top 100 at the First Year Law exam can continue to Second BA provided they pass First Arts as a whole.www.facebook.com/schooloflaw

5. CAN I TAKE THE TWO YEAR LL.B. AFTER STUDYING LAW IN EITHER THE B.COMM. OR THE B.A. (PUBLIC AND SOCIAL POLICY)? B.A. (Public and Social Policy)Because several law subjects are offered as part of the B.A. (PSP) programme, it is possible for graduates of this programme to join the two-year LL.B. provided they graduate with at least a Second Class Honours Grade 2.

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)There are a number of law courses offered in the B.Comm. A limited number of places are available in the two-year LL.B. for Honours B.Comm. graduates who have taken the required amount of law modules in the B.Comm.

6. CAN I STUDY ABROAD?The Law School has exchange links with several universities abroad under the Erasmus and International scheme whereby a limited number of our students may spend a year studying at a foreign university.

7. WHAT KIND OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME IF I STUDY LAW?If you have a law degree you can study law at postgraduate level in many different areas in various universities in Ireland and abroad. NUI Galway currently offers taught postgraduate Masters courses in Public Law, Human Rights and International Disability Law an Policy.

8. WHAT IS THE CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME?The Clinical Legal Education Programme at the School of Law allows a limited number of final year students of the B.C.L. & BCorp Law the opportunity to participate in a work experience programme. Students use their legal skills in placements with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and practising lawyers throughout Ireland.

At the time of going to print the HEI was finalising the mapping of programme entry requirements to the new grade scale for the HEI Common Points Scale from 2017 – please be aware that the current entry requirements as outlined may change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

www.facebook.com/schooloflaw

www.twitter.com/NUIGLaw or @NUIGLaw

For more information about the programmesat the School of Law, please contact:

T: + 353 91 492 752E: law@nuigalway.ie

www.nuigalway.ie/law

www.facebook.com/schooloflaw

www.twitter.com/NUIGLaw or @NUIGLaw