FAQs – Dentons

Dublin FAQs — The place to find all the answers.

What are the steps to qualify as a solicitor in Ireland?

1. Undergraduate Degree: Prospective candidates can complete both law and non-law undergraduate degrees.

2. FE-1 Examination: This is the entrance examination to the Law Society of Ireland. The FE1 examination is held twice each year in Spring and Autumn consists of eight papers on core legal subjects. On successful completion of the FE-1 Entrance Examinations you can apply to complete the Professional Practice Course.

3. Professional Practice Course (PPC): This is a full-time practice orientated course lasting one academic year. The course is run centrally via the Law Society of Ireland.

4. In-Office Training: Candidates must complete 24 months of in-office training with a firm, this period begins 14 days after the last PPC Core examination as is referred to as a Training Contract (our Dentons Trainee Solicitor Programme).

5. Admission to the Role of Solicitor: Once the PPC exams and in-office training is completed, candidates can apply to have their name entered on the Roll of Solicitors.

For more information, please visit the Law Society of Ireland website.
Do I need a certain undergraduate degree to apply?

We accept all degree disciplines for our Dublin opportunities.

Our Trainee Solicitor Programme is open to applicants from all degree disciplines who have already completed all FE1 examinations or are in the process of completing them and will receive their results by May 2025.

Our Vacation Scheme is open to applicants from all degree disciplines in their penultimate or final year of their undergraduate degree, and to graduates.
What are the different stages of the recruitment process?

Application Form> Legal High Potential Assessment> Video Interview> Assessment Centre

For a detailed breakdown of each of these stages, please visit ‘Application Process’ on the top bar.
Can I still apply if I fail to meet the academic criteria required?

We generally look for at least 480 points from your Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, and a 2:1 or higher in your undergraduate degree.

These are broad guidelines, and all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. We review every application holistically and consider all aspects of a candidate’s experiences and background. We also encourage you to include mitigating circumstances if relevant.
Do you accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work and require sponsorship?

Due to the nature of the Vacation Scheme, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the necessary right to work in Ireland for the duration of the scheme.

For the Trainee Solicitor Programme, we will accept applications from candidates requiring a work permit and support them through the visa application process. Please note as part of the application form, you will be asked to provide details on your right to work status.
Do you look at applications on a rolling basis?

Yes, we do, and we would recommend and encourage you to apply as soon as you feel ready. However, we do review every application we receive up to the deadline.
Are there any opportunities for international and client secondments?

Yes, we offer secondments subject to availability, business needs, performance and eligibility.
What will the structure of the 2025 direct Trainee Solicitor Programme look like?

Pre-Spring 2025:Completion of FE-1s

September 2025 – April 2026: Core PPC (full-time study)

May 2026 – June 2026:PPC Advanced Electives (full-time study)

July 2026 – May 2028:Trainee Solicitor Programme

May 2028 – Qualification
Will I be able to work remotely?

At Dentons we operate a hybrid working environment, however we understand that people learn better in person; many of our teams are often in the office to allow you to make the most of our in-person learning opportunities.
If I apply for the 2025 direct Trainee Solicitor Programme will Dentons support me through the FE1s and PPC??

To be eligible to apply to our 2025 Trainee Solicitor Programme, all eight FE1 examinations must be fully completed, and grades received before May 2025. We will retrospectively reimburse a total of eight exams per candidate, which includes one sitting per subject.

Dentons will pay for all first-attempt exams and course fees associated with the Professional Practice Courses (PPC). We will also support you with your PPC application and fees.
If I receive an offer for the Trainee Solicitor Programme at the end of the Vacation Scheme when will I start?

Following the completion of the Vacation Scheme, we will be making Trainee Solicitor Programme offers for 2026 and 2027 September start dates.

Please keep in mind you will need to:

– Receive your undergraduate degree results;
– Complete and receive your results for all 8 FE1 examinations, and
– Submit your Professional Practice Course application

ahead of your Trainee Solicitor Programme start date.
If I receive a Trainee Solicitor Programme offer at the end of the Vacation Scheme, how will Dentons support me through the FE1s and PPC??

All eight FE1 examinations must be fully completed, and grades received before the start date of your Trainee Solicitor Programme.

Dentons will cover the cost of one FE1 sitting per subject, with a total of eight exams per candidate.

We will also pay all first-attempt exams and course fees associated with the Professional Practice Courses (PPC).

Dentons will support you with your PPC application and fees.

For those who have already completed their FE1 examinations, we will retrospectively reimburse a total of eight exams per candidate, considering one sitting per subject.
What course provider should I use to prepare for the FE1?

You can find a list of FE1 course providers on the Law Society of Ireland website. Courses are not mandatory but recommended. You can take courses for each subject.
What will the in-office training consist of?

This will consist of four seats, giving you an opportunity to experience at least three distinct areas of law (including contentious and non-contentious work).
What are the requirements to complete the Professional Practice Course (PPC)?

These requirements are set by the Law Society of Ireland. Applicants for the PPC must have:

– Passed all FE-1 Entrance Examinations

– Found an eligible (practising) solicitor to act as a training solicitor
How will the seat rotations work?

You will be able to let us know your seat preferences before each move, and we will do our best to meet your request, in line with Law Society of Ireland guidelines and our business needs.
Can I apply again if I have already completed an Assessment Centre or Vacation Scheme with the firm?

If you have previously completed a Vacation Scheme with us but did not secure a Trainee Solicitor Programme offer, you may reapply in the future, but only to the direct Trainee Solicitor Programme.

If you have participated in an Assessment Centre with us before or have completed any of our previous stages and did not secure an offer, you may reapply for any of our roles in the following year.
Am I able to apply for a Newly Qualified role in another Dentons office?

The expectation is that Dublin trainees will qualify in Ireland.