For years, the profession benefited or suffered (depending on perspective) from a perception that, to advance in the profession, one had to be part of some sort of old boy's network which kept the top jobs for its own. Indeed, the very fact that the current Minister for Justice is a Gonzaga boy would do little to dispel this notion. But the reality is that law is open to more people than perceptions might suggest, and this is backed up by the figures . . . of the hundreds of prospective lawyers seeking training contracts, the reality is that only about 20% secure their apprenticeship through family members or friends. The other 80% apply like they would for any other job . . . by posting a CV.

Indeed, far from being the preserve of a privileged few, law is, in fact, a career that is currently offering significant opportunities. Despite the increased number of people sitting their FE1 exams (the final examinations before a training contract), there is constant demand from the law firms for qualified candidates. It is the popularity of law that makes it somewhat exclusive . . . a law degree is constantly at or near the highest points requirements for entry into college.

But this is academic exclusivity, and, in any case, a less than sparkling Leaving Cert will not necessarily shut the door on a legal career . . . it is, in fact, not necessary for a person to have a law degree, or, indeed, any degree, to enter into studies at the Law Society, thanks to the existence of entrance examinations.

"There is a greater emphasis placed by society on third-level qualifications, " said Fionna Fox, training executive at the Law Society of Ireland. "More people are staying on in university, and hence are following a career in the professions rather than the trades. And law is definitely part of that pattern."

Every year, about 2,000 people sit their FE1s. Of these, last year 672 entered the Professional Practice Course I, which is the beginning of the professional education offered by the Law Society across two locations . . . the synonymous-with-solicitors-in-Ireland Blackhall Place, and the new Cork Law School, which opened last year, and which took in 73 students. But it is not the securing of a place on the PPC1 which some candidates find difficult . . . it is often the securing of a training contract or apprenticeship.

According to Fox, this is not because of any prejudices that might exist among law firms.

"I don't believe that it is a closed shop, and the number of people who are coming through our doors for their PPC1 tells us that there is a wide range or ages, sexes and backgrounds who are securing training contracts, " she said. "Maybe 10 years ago, networks might have been more prevalent, but because of equal opportunities legislation, there is a need for companies to be seen to be fair and evenhanded when it comes to recruitment. Because of company law, they have to be careful about their procedures."

So why do some people find it difficult to find a home for their legal skills?

It is probably for the same reasons that some people get better jobs than others . . .

these people are just better at putting themselves forward. A training contract is like any other job, and will need to be applied for (the beauty is that there won't really be people with more experience than you applying for the same position).

But for those shrinking violets out there (as well as for others who, through no fault of their own haven't yet secured a training contract), help is at hand.

"I have a role in helping people get a training contract, " said Fox. "I initiated a seminar programme which is geared at helping people to find a contract, and these are open to everyone. It is a day-long course which is opened by Ken Murphy (director general of the Law Society), where participants will learn from people expert in interview techniques, and from recruitment consultants about how to best get the position. I speak to people about my own perspective, and a trainee who has recently undergone the process will give people the peer perspective."

A seminar may attempt to give people the skills they require for the search process, but Fox suggests a number of other tips to improve people's chances of securing the training contract.

"There is a register of firms on the Law Society's website, and candidates can upload their CVs on it, " she said. "But the best thing that a person can do for their chances is to get some work experience, and get the name of a firm on their CV."

And are firms open to taking people on for work experience?

"If you are asking a firm for a training contract, that is a major commitment on their part, " said Fox. "But it is not really a commitment if you are going for some work experience. You can even use other skills to get in the door . . . for example, receptionists and administration staff may be on holidays during the summer, and you could do your work experience in one of those roles. Because it's not just about the law . . . it's about how a firm operates."

It is the same for a person whose training contract does not lead to a permanent career in the firm . . . the skills learned can be transferred to other firms, and even to other industries.