The LSRA today publishes its first six month update documenting progress made towards its recommended actions to address economic and other barriers facing many aspiring and early career solicitors and barristers.

The update (linked below) reports on the activities of the LSRA and the professional bodies for solicitors and barristers – the Law Society of Ireland, the Honorable Society of King’s Inn and The Bar of Ireland – in implementing a total of 32 recommendations to widen access to the legal professions and increase diversity.

The LSRA brought forward the recommendations in its final Breaking Down Barriers report submitted to the then Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, in January 2024. The Minister welcomed these as “meaningful reforms that will make a real difference.”

The LSRA subsequently published a Breaking Down Barriers Implementation Plan in September 2024 setting out tasks and timelines for the delivery of the 32 wide-ranging reform proposals over the implementation period which runs until the end of 2026.

The plan was noted by government and published in October 2024.

First six month progress report

The first progress report covers the six month period from October 2024 to March 2025.  It has been submitted to the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD.

In his introduction to the document, LSRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brian Doherty said:

“This update documents the significant work that has been carried out by the LSRA and our stakeholders in advancing the reform agenda to widen and increase access to education, training and early career opportunities and to enhance diversity in the legal professions. This includes the establishment of a Breaking Down Barriers Implementation Working Group which I am pleased to chair.

“I want to sincerely thank the LSRA’s stakeholders for their enthusiasm in delivering on the Breaking Down Barriers recommendations. Particular thanks go to the three professional bodies – the Law Society of Ireland, the Honorable Society of King’s Inn and The Bar of Ireland.  I look forward to continued engagement with all stakeholders in the coming months as we work to build a more inclusive and diverse legal services sector.”

Read the update: Breaking Down Barriers Implementation Plan, Progress Report 1 (PDF)

 

ENDS