PRESS RELEASE

 

LSRA reports progress on reforms to broaden access to legal professions

 

Developments include expanded training routes, increased financial supports and diversity initiatives

 

Wednesday, 15th April 2026

 

The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) has today published its third progress report on the implementation of recommendations to address barriers facing aspiring and early career solicitors and barristers.

 

The recommendations were set out in the LSRA’s Breaking Down Barriers report submitted to the then Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, in January 2024. The report identified a range of measures to support broader access to legal education, training and early career opportunities, with the aim of enhancing diversity within the legal professions. She welcomed the report and its recommendations as “meaningful reforms that will make a real difference.”

 

The LSRA subsequently published an implementation plan to support their delivery. The latest progress report, covering the period October 2025 to March 2026, represents the third update under that plan, and reflects ongoing engagement with the legal professional bodies — the Law Society of Ireland, the Honorable Society of King’s Inns and The Bar of Ireland — in support of these recommendations.

 

During the reporting period, activity has focused on building a shared understanding of the recommendations, progressing key areas through consultation, and supporting the development of practical measures to address identified barriers.

 

The report also highlights a number of developments progressed by the professional bodies, including:

  • the expansion of flexible and non-traditional training routes
  • enhanced outreach and access initiatives
  • additional financial supports for training, including targeted grants
  • the development of a Best Practice Protocol to support the timely payment of barristers’ fees
  • ongoing initiatives to promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the professions

 

Speaking on publication of the report, Chief Executive Officer of the LSRA, Niamh Muldoon said: “This report reflects the continued work across the sector to address barriers to legal education, training and early career opportunities, and to support a more inclusive legal services sector in the public interest.

 

“The LSRA will continue to play a central role in driving the implementation of these recommendations, working with the professional bodies to ensure that the measures being implemented translate into meaningful change.

 

“I acknowledge the significant work undertaken by the professional bodies in developing and delivering a number of these initiatives. The next phase of implementation will focus on embedding these measures within existing structures and broadening access and opportunity across the legal professions.”

 

The full report is available here.

 

 

ENDS