There has been an increase of 56 per cent in the number of people seeking training as solicitors. This is the highest increase in the history of the Law Society, which provides the training.
The Law Society, which compiled the figures, will announce them at its parchment ceremony in Blackhall Place, Dublin, today.
Mr Gerard Griffin, its president, will say that two years ago the number of people starting the course was 355. This year the number of people has increased to 555. Although there has been a steady increase in numbers in recent years, it has never been so steep.
The course takes two years, and is a combination of academic study in the Law Society and work placement in solicitors' offices. It is open to law graduates and non-graduates, with entry determined by an eight-subject entrance examination and an examination in the Irish language.
Mr Griffin said the remarkable increase was due to a number of factors. One is that a much greater number is now passing the entrance examination. As there is no quota policy, all those who pass the exam obtain places in the society's education centre.
Another factor is the growth in trainee places in solicitors' firms. There has been a shift in the source of these places, from the big companies, mainly based in Dublin, to small local companies in rural towns and villages.
The increase also underlines the growing attractiveness of the profession. This is also reflected in the continuing demand for places in university law schools.
Mr Griffin will refer in his speech to the Competition Authority's report on the profession which concluded that current educational and training requirements are appropriate for producing properly qualified solicitors, and are not used to restrict or damage competition.