Solicitor

Legal Aid Board; Portlaoise; On-site; EUR 46,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Board is inviting applications for Solicitor Grade III positions to be filled from a new Panel covering Longford, Portlaoise and Tullamore. The roles involve delivering civil legal aid and advice, upholding the Board's standards, and engaging with stakeholders to promote access to justice.

Applicants must be eligible for admission to the Roll of Solicitors (or hold a Practising Certificate) by 7 September 2026, with the possibility of progression and training.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible for admission to the Roll of Solicitors and/or hold a Practising Certificate (without restrictions).
• Experience at professional level is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing legal services to clients with legal aid or advice.
• Deliver legal services in a timely, professional manner.
• Ensure compliance with Board policies, procedures and supervisor instructions.
• Contribute to an efficient, customer-oriented law centre.
• Use the EOS case management system effectively.
• Offer meaningful non-court-based options for resolving family disputes.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote the Board as a service provider for legal and mediation services.

Skills

Legal service delivery

Client relations

Policy compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Qualified solicitor (Roll of Solicitors)

Tools

EOS case management

Job description

The Legal Aid Board is an independent, publicly funded organisation which provides family mediation, civil legal aid & advice and vulnerable witness related services. We are also responsible for the administration of a number of ad hoc criminal legal aid schemes.

Following a competition, a Panel will be established from which temporary and permanent positions may be filled in the 12 months following the Panel’s establishment. The competition is confined to positions in Longford, Portlaoise & Tullamore

The salary for Solicitor Grade III ranges from €45,651 to €81,946 via annual increments (which are subject to satisfactory service). Two long service increments, payable after a further 3 and 6 years, bring the salary scale to €84,348 and €86,953

Entry point will be at the minimum of the scale, different pay and conditions may apply subject to Government pay policy procedures. For the purposes of this competition, candidates may be offered up to point 3 (i.e. €56,067) at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer and based on post qualification experience.

Overview of the Role

The Key Features of the Role are:

• To assist in the provision of legal services to the Board’s clients to whom legal aid and/or advice has been granted, within the terms of the Civil Legal Act, 1995, and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations;
• Provide quality legal service to clients, in a timely and professional manner.
• Deliver legal services in compliance with the Board’s policies, procedures and supervisors’ instructions
• Actively contribute to ensuring the law centre delivers services in an efficient, effective and customer-oriented manner.
• Ensure effective use of the Board’s case management system (EOS)
• Ensure clients are given meaningful non-court-based options for resolving family disputes
• Engage with stakeholders to promote the role of the Legal Aid Board as a service provider both in relation to legal services and mediation services

Essential Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must, on or before the 7th September 2026 be eligible for admission to the Roll of Solicitors and/or be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors. Where candidates are currently or were previously admitted to the Roll of Solicitors that they be entitled to hold a Practising Certificate issued by the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland (without any restrictions attached) and must continue to be so entitled to hold such a certificate.

It will be a matter for the Legal Aid Board to determine the eligibility of candidates having regard to their qualifications and experience. An invitation to interview is not an acceptance of eligibility.

The Board has family friendly policies and extensive opportunities for further training and education. Experience at professional level is desirable but not essential.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 7th September 2026 at 4.00pm

Application forms and the information booklet are available on www.legalaidboard.ie

The Legal Aid Board is an equal opportunities employer. We promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance and we would be happy to assist.