Trainee Solicitor Programme
- Published on: 27 May 2024
- Last updated on: 25 June 2025
- Why train in the CSSO?
- What our trainees say
- Trainee wellbeing and professional development
- Salary and fees
- Applying for a CSSO Traineeship
- Trainee Solicitor Competition
- More information about the CSSO
Our Trainee Solicitor Programme is open for applications until Wednesday 16 July - application forms and competition information booklet are available below
Why train in the CSSO?
As a trainee solicitor with the CSSO, you will be afforded a unique opportunity to develop your legal expertise in an environment that can offer more than private practice. From the outset, you will be immersed in a diverse range of legal work that has real impact on the functioning of the State, handling cases that frequently involve public law, constitutional law, commercial transactions, and litigation. At the CSSO, even as a trainee, you will be an integral part of teams working on complex legal issues that influence national policy and public governance. You will have direct exposure to high-profile cases that shape the law at the highest levels.
In addition to courtroom experience, you will also work closely with government departments, offering strategic legal advice on critical issues ranging from regulatory frameworks to legislative interpretation. This exposure will not only broaden your understanding of the law but also sharpen your ability to apply legal principles in dynamic, real-world contexts.
Your time as a trainee will be enriched by the CSSO’s structured mentorship programme, where you will work under the guidance of senior solicitors who are leading experts in their fields. This mentorship, combined with formal training programmes, will ensure that you are supported in every aspect of your professional development, from honing your legal drafting skills to mastering courtroom advocacy.
The CSSO offers exposure to legal matters not only at the national level but also within the EU and on the international stage, offering a breadth of experience that is seldom available elsewhere. By the end of your traineeship, you will have gained an invaluable grounding in law that will enable you to forge a successful and rewarding career, equipped with skills and experiences that are truly unique.
What our trainees say
The traineeship program of the CSSO is unique due to the nature and significance of the legal work. I was attracted to this program as I have a strong belief in public service and it has provided me with an opportunity to work on cases which impact the lives of everyone within the State. The experience you obtain as a Trainee Solicitor for the CSSO is highly fulfilling and unmatched. Trainees are given the opportunity to work alongside solicitors representing the state in both the Irish and international courts.
During my I represented central government clients at the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee at the United Nations, attended the European Courts of Justice, and represented our clients in the Superior Courts of Ireland. Working for the CSSO also provides trainees with opportunities to work closely with other organisations such as the Attorney General's Office. It has been a privilege to be able to witness and be involved in the shaping of the legislation of Ireland. I couldn’t recommend the program highly enough.
Aoife Keegan, State Solicitor - 2025 qualified
Trainee wellbeing and professional development
The CSSO recognises the importance of work-life balance to trainees and the positive impact this can have on a trainee’s wellbeing. We offer supports such as blended working opportunities, whereby trainees may work part of their week in the office and part from home.
Our Social Committee organises events throughout the year - a fun way to get to know your colleagues. We also offer a comprehensive occupational health and wellbeing programme including an Employee Assistance Programme, health and nutrition advice and wellbeing talks.
We recognise the value of investing in our trainees, and developing their skillsets both to their benefit and to the benefit of our overall capability as an organisation. Our Induction Buddy Scheme pairs trainees with solicitors during their rotations to provide extra support during their training. Trainees also have access to training initiatives provided by the Civil Service Learning and Development Centre and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses by the Law Society of Ireland.
Salary and fees
The Trainee Solicitor Scheme salary is:
- Year 1: €33,812.11
- Year 2: €35,072.78
- Year 3: €36,330.84
The CSSO covers all fees for the full time Law Society Professional Practice Course.
Applying for a CSSO Traineeship
The application process includes an application form and a competency based interview. We recruit annually, typically during the months of May or June, for admission in September of the following year. Our annual recruitment campaign is advertised on the Recruitment page on our website and our LinkedIn page.
We accept applications from students of all disciplines so there is no requirement to have studied law. We accept applicants who have at least three Law Society Final Examinations (FE-1s) completed.
We are looking for graduates with a strong sense of public service who are interested in beginning their law career within a leading public organisation.
Comprehensive information about becoming a solicitor in Ireland is available on the Law Society of Ireland's website.
Trainee Solicitor Competition
This year's competition is now open for applications. Please read the information booklet below fully and carefully before completing your application.
The closing date for applications is 3pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
