Each week we explain how to look for work experience. This time, the legal profession, writes Gráinne Faller

Although the points race shows some signs of slowing down, law courses remain hugely popular. Without a Leaving Cert subject in legal studies, of course, there is always the risk that some students base their decisions more on episodes of Law & Order than on the reality of Ireland's legal system.

Getting work experience with a solicitor or a barrister depends on ringing the right person at the right time, which means a certain amount of luck is involved. Firstly, see who your contacts are. Do you, your parents or your friends know any solicitors or barristers? Like it or not, this is your best bet for getting a placement.

If you live outside of Dublin and don't have the option of travelling to the Four Courts, a local solicitor is your best option for getting a sense of what the legal profession is like. If you don't have any contacts, look in the Golden Pages for solicitors in your area. Write a letter, explaining who you are, what you want in terms of experience, when your dates are and why getting this kind of work experience is important for you. Enclose a CV and a reference from a teacher. It's a good idea to follow up if you can with a polite phone call.

If the solicitor cannot accommodate you, try somebody else. If a solicitor is reluctant to take you on for a week, see if a day is possible instead.

If you live in Dublin or have a place to stay there, you may also be able to get work experience with a barrister. Contact names and addresses are available on www.lawlibrary.ie by clicking on the Search for a Barrister tab. Again, write first of all with a CV and a reference. Follow up with a phone call and be polite and flexible. The Law Library provides support for barristers who take on work-experience students, but there is huge competition for places.

To see how a case works from the point of view of a barrister or a solicitor, the Public Access to Law programme - otherwise known as the mock-trials competition - is a good option. An excellent way for TY students to learn about the workings of our legal system, it offers competitions for students acting as barristers, solicitors, reporters and court artists, among others. E-mail Vincent P Martin, the programme's director, at paldd@eircom.net.

The courts website also has some information about the competition, as well as information on school tours and the legal system. See www.courts.ie and click on Schools.

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