Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

FE1 Challenge the Rules

Options
  • 06-10-2018 1:07pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭


    Anyone looking into challenging the current position of the FE1s, i.e. keeping the exam subjects in same order for all sittings, and the pass in 3 exams rule.
    Tagged:


«134

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 294 ✭✭Vegetarian2017


    I am 100 percent agreed on having the rules changed. I am exam free from Tuesday. We can present recommendations to the law society with x amount of signatures.
    I think you can set up online petitions on some site again i can look into this on Tuesday.


  • Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭jewels652


    I am also 100% behind this. What I said earlier about the boycott probably I wasn’t clear. A boycott will be our last measure and off course we need to get a lot of people on board. I know that getting everyone may be imposible.
    But We need to start with friendly discussions first and put our argument forward:
    1. Securing 3 rule
    2. Timetable
    3. More guidance from examiners

    We don’t want to start with big demands either. Anyway my last exam is on Tuesday after that I can concentrate on this issue. We could organise a meeting maybe in December after we get the exam results. Surely we’ll get a lot angry people who failed their exam ( I probably be one of those) also we should also target prospective Fe1s students. We could do talks in universities for last year Law students.

    If anybody wants to pm their email we could organise a WhatsApp group as well as we don’t want to put too much info in here as it is too public.

    We can do this guys we are the future solicitors of Ireland and we need to stand and end this injustice.

    Best of luck to you all in the exams!


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭illy.m


    jewels652 wrote: »
    I am also 100% behind this. What I said earlier about the boycott probably I wasn’t clear. A boycott will be our last measure and off course we need to get a lot of people on board. I know that getting everyone may be imposible.
    But We need to start with friendly discussions first and put our argument forward:
    1. Securing 3 rule
    2. Timetable
    3. More guidance from examiners

    We don’t want to start with big demands either. Anyway my last exam is on Tuesday after that I can concentrate on this issue. We could organise a meeting maybe in December after we get the exam results. Surely we’ll get a lot angry people who failed their exam ( I probably be one of those) also we should also target prospective Fe1s students. We could do talks in universities for last year Law students.

    If anybody wants to pm their email we could organise a WhatsApp group as well as we don’t want to put too much info in here as it is too public.

    We can do this guys we are the future solicitors of Ireland and we need to stand and end this injustice.

    Best of luck to you all in the exams!

    Good points mentioned. I was thinking of contacting the SU in colleges to spread the word to 4th year students in colleges. I am up for the whatsup group.

    Good luck in exams guys!


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 R146


    Not sure which poster mentioned it but I think the idea of exemptions is definitely something that ought to be considered.

    If you look at the ACCA exams for example - candidates can qualify for exemptions. Seems to me that FE1 candidates should have a similar opportunity. I, for one, think a potential solution would be that exemptions could be given if you got a minimum of a 2.1 in the subject in university.

    I also agree that what’s needed is a fair ‘middle ground’.


  • Registered Users Posts: 319 ✭✭jus_me


    Needing to pass 3 the first time or else none count as a pass is so unfair and discouraging you should get to bank every subject you pass


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 121 ✭✭TemptationWaits


    Hey guys! A big thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is that if you pay €110 for a "re-check" it's not even rechecked. They just tot up the marks again - no actual reread of your script. Defo a violation of fair procedures there I'd say! Unless I'm wrong about this?


  • Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭jewels652


    Hey guys! A big thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is that if you pay €110 for a "re-check" it's not even rechecked. They just tot up the marks again - no actual reread of your script. Defo a violation of fair procedures there I'd say! Unless I'm wrong about this?


    I didn’t know that. Wow the more I read the more I realise the treatment we get is shocking. We can’t let them get away with this any longer we need to take action how frustrating this whole thing is.

    To add to my stress I am trying to book the red cow for next Monday to Tuesday and is booked. I am travelling from Cork I will be terrified to drive that morning in case I get caught up in traffic and I am exhausted as it is.
    Also we should be able to get special rates from the hotel I paid high rates and I was only staying for one night. There are people who stayed for 4/5 days crazy and unfair.
    Seriously, you need to be rich to be able to qualify as a solicitor. People who are earning minimum wage can’t just afford it such stressful luxury.


  • Registered Users Posts: 137 ✭✭SwD


    R146 wrote: »
    Not sure which poster mentioned it but I think the idea of exemptions is definitely something that ought to be considered.

    If you look at the ACCA exams for example - candidates can qualify for exemptions. Seems to me that FE1 candidates should have a similar opportunity. I, for one, think a potential solution would be that exemptions could be given if you got a minimum of a 2.1 in the subject in university.

    I also agree that what’s needed is a fair ‘middle ground’.

    I completley disagree with the 3/3 rule.

    However, comparing the FE1 exams to university exams is outrageous. The density of the FE1 manuals is far greater and beyond the tip the hat upcoming exam topics you receive at university. Any notions that we as law students should be exempt from a subject, in particular for a 2.1, because it was undertaken during university is ridiculous.

    I'm all for change, but lets not push the boat out too far to sea.


  • Registered Users Posts: 586 ✭✭✭vid36


    jewels652 wrote: »
    I didn’t know that. Wow the more I read the more I realise the treatment we get is shocking. We can’t let them get away with this any longer we need to take action how frustrating this whole thing is.

    To add to my stress I am trying to book the red cow for next Monday to Tuesday and is booked. I am travelling from Cork I will be terrified to drive that morning in case I get caught up in traffic and I am exhausted as it is.
    Also we should be able to get special rates from the hotel I paid high rates and I was only staying for one night. There are people who stayed for 4/5 days crazy and unfair.
    Seriously, you need to be rich to be able to qualify as a solicitor. People who are earning minimum wage can’t just afford it such stressful luxury.

    The Ibis is just down the road from the Red Cow.


  • Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭jewels652


    vid36 wrote: »
    The Ibis is just down the road from the Red Cow.

    I just booked the ibis.
    Thanks


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 8 aecc


    Hey guys! A big thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet is that if you pay €110 for a "re-check" it's not even rechecked. They just tot up the marks again - no actual reread of your script. Defo a violation of fair procedures there I'd say! Unless I'm wrong about this?

    No way??? I didn't know this either. Makes the whole process even more disheartening.

    How did you find this out may I ask?


  • Registered Users Posts: 121 ✭✭TemptationWaits


    aecc wrote: »
    No way??? I didn't know this either. Makes the whole process even more disheartening.

    How did you find this out may I ask?


    This is just word of mouth.


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭illy.m


    Guys, just wanted to say that if anyone have friends/people they know from college doing the FE1s at the moment, could you please spread the word re this thread. So that we could get as many people on as possible!


  • Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭jewels652


    Perhaps we should also open a private Facebook page as well.
    That will spread very fast


  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    Jenosul wrote: »
    I agree also. Totally disagree with the exams. It is but a mere memory test. The concept of having to pass 3 to keep 3 is completely unfair. I have never heard of such a standard in an exam.

    They need to take into account that we are actually finished our college lives and most full time employees. The fatigue and stress for such an unproductive endeavor is chronic. I had to just go to bed after my last exam as I literally did not feel well and am popping pills constantly for splitting headaches, coupled with having to work full-time and study.

    I think a petition is a great idea. A big boycott would also work but getting everyone on board would be a difficult task. The 50% pass is also bs. We are paying enough money to sit them at least make the rules some what on the side of fairness.

    How do we go about organizing a petition. If we do this we need to actually go about it.


    The reports repeatedly say that its not about memory its about reasoning and analysis and that the lack of this and just regurgitating an essay leads to failure.

    They really dont need to take into account our private lives and/or work situation.


    50% is that high and what we should be let pass because we pay money???

    Working in law takes a lot more logic and reasoning that is coming across in the complaints.
    Ok last comment re fe1 but if one can prove they are working fulltime there should be some exemption ie. 40 or 45 percent pass rate for those in fulltime employment or spread exams out anything at this stage. Right back to study.


    Cause it is hugely fair to have one pass mark for one person and a different pass mark for another? Equity anyone. (plus how could it possibly work operationally)

    I think the exam stress is pushing people to just vent.

    What we might be able to get is the exams spread out - one lecturer who is an examiner told us that the reason they were condensed was that people were moaning that it was talking too long to get results out!!
    (ie if you spread them over 15 days the person who sits an exam on day 1 has a long wait so complaints! So we need to be careful what we wish for!)


  • Registered Users Posts: 294 ✭✭Vegetarian2017


    I would highly doubt people working full-time would rather condense the exams and sit under extreme fatigue to have theor results 2 or 3 weeks sooner. Example answers (not that i have any) are doing the rounds and people are passing and using these for exams.

    The tough part of these exams is the stamina you need to get through them. They could be organised much better perhaps open book and a further range of topics then the 8 we have sat in college so students are getting to use their ability. No doubt examiners would prefer that than read the same ****ty easements questions over and over again.

    These are merely suggestions, probably not processed and yes we are all tired. Before any further steps, we of course need to think through our suggestions and get feedback to ensure they are workable to everyone's benefit.
    And why should we go through this process with absolutely no transparency. We cannot till now perhaps request our exam script or get feedback for the price we pay. It is ridiculous.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 R146


    SwD wrote: »
    I completley disagree with the 3/3 rule.

    However, comparing the FE1 exams to university exams is outrageous. The density of the FE1 manuals is far greater and beyond the tip the hat upcoming exam topics you receive at university. Any notions that we as law students should be exempt from a subject, in particular for a 2.1, because it was undertaken during university is ridiculous.

    I'm all for change, but lets not push the boat out too far to sea.
    frankz wrote: »
    The reports repeatedly say that its not about memory its about reasoning and analysis and that the lack of this and just regurgitating an essay leads to failure.

    They really dont need to take into account our private lives and/or work situation.
    50% is that high and what we should be let pass because we pay money???

    Working in law takes a lot more logic and reasoning that is coming across in the complaints.

    Cause it is hugely fair to have one pass mark for one person and a different pass mark for another? Equity anyone. (plus how could it possibly work operationally)

    I think the exam stress is pushing people to just vent.

    What we might be able to get is the exams spread out - one lecturer who is an examiner told us that the reason they were condensed was that people were moaning that it was talking too long to get results out!!
    (ie if you spread them over 15 days the person who sits an exam on day 1 has a long wait so complaints! So we need to be careful what we wish for!)


    Definitely agree that working or studying full time shouldn’t be considered. You may think it harsh but the point of the exam is to show you understand the law- Not that you can tot up marks. Also agree it’s not practical.

    Spreading exams out again makes sense. If there was an exam every Sunday for 8 weeks for example that’d be a lot more fair on candidates.

    As regards exemptions - I see no reason why it couldn’t/ shouldn’t be considered. I have no idea how this could work in practice hence I said I think it should be *considered*.
    The possibility of being given hints for exams is there regardless of whether you do commerce, science or law. So it doesn’t make sense to me why there couldn’t be some form of exemptions in place akin to that of what is offered for other professional exams.
    To make myself clear, the FE1 syllabus is much broader than what I covered in university so of course I should be tested on what I haven’t studied. But why not exempt people from redoing what they’ve already done? The only issue I see with this is how it’d work in practice. Which could be why no such system is in place. Or maybe degrees aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. (Poor attempt at humour)

    In all honesty I think the discussion should probably take off after the exams are done - once everyone isn’t so stressed. Thing is even if change does happen I can’t see it being at a time that we will benefit from it so these exams are gonna have to be passed one way or another.


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭illy.m


    Yes we are all tired! but what I realised today, is that people are unhappy and they think the process is unfair! Even if I pass all exams I think it is something that should be addressed to the Law Society as it does seem to be an unfair process. I am not trying to say that "Lets get rid if these exams", but the fact that we do have to sit them (No such thing in UK or US, or EU. They have equivalents to the LawSoc, but no such exams to get into the LawSoc.)

    Having that in mind, they complicate it by the "3 exam pass" rule, 50% pass mark and the fat that the exams are being charged around all the time. For example if a person applied to sit 4 exams this time, in a way they have at least a day in between the exams, and they pass all 4 exams, then next sitting when they sit the remaining 4 exams due to the fact that they change them around all the time, that person might be sitting they one after the other. How is that fair? What is the reason for this?

    If everyone just sits and says oh there is probably reason for this etc. then nothing is going to change. What I am saying, they get so much money out of it, and I am prepared to give that money, sit and study and forget about my life for a period, but lets just make it more favourable for people. Even with the recheck, I want to see my paper, see what mistakes I made and where I can improve.


  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    I would highly doubt people working full-time would rather condense the exams and sit under extreme fatigue to have theor results 2 or 3 weeks sooner. Example answers (not that i have any) are doing the rounds and people are passing and using these for exams.

    The tough part of these exams is the stamina you need to get through them. They could be organised much better perhaps open book and a further range of topics then the 8 we have sat in college so students are getting to use their ability. No doubt examiners would prefer that than read the same ****ty easements questions over and over again.

    These are merely suggestions, probably not processed and yes we are all tired. Before any further steps, we of course need to think through our suggestions and get feedback to ensure they are workable to everyone's benefit.
    And why should we go through this process with absolutely no transparency. We cannot till now perhaps request our exam script or get feedback for the price we pay. It is ridiculous.


    Fair enough, that is a more balanced and objective approach than some other posters.

    Whilst you may doubt it I can only tell you what the examiner told us caused the exams to be condensed.

    The problem with the sample answers are that obviously we dont know the question!!! So it would appear that people are not tailoring the generic answers to the nuances of the question.

    Your ability point is a good one but very easy for the Society to say perhaps we could use our ability on the ones we are now required to sit!! And having sat them in various years in college doesn't show that we know enough about them for professional level.

    Plus looking for a further range when we are struggling with the range that we have already passed hardly seems sensible!

    We can now see the scripts and to be honest I never got huge feedback in college.
    The exam papers are there and the reports are there is a level of transparency - I never saw such reports in college.


  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    R146 wrote: »
    Definitely agree that working or studying full time shouldn’t be considered. You may think it harsh but the point of the exam is to show you understand the law- Not that you can tot up marks. Also agree it’s not practical.

    Spreading exams out again makes sense. If there was an exam every Sunday for 8 weeks for example that’d be a lot more fair on candidates.

    As regards exemptions - I see no reason why it couldn’t/ shouldn’t be considered. I have no idea how this could work in practice hence I said I think it should be *considered*.
    The possibility of being given hints for exams is there regardless of whether you do commerce, science or law. So it doesn’t make sense to me why there couldn’t be some form of exemptions in place akin to that of what is offered for other professional exams.
    To make myself clear, the FE1 syllabus is much broader than what I covered in university so of course I should be tested on what I haven’t studied. But why not exempt people from redoing what they’ve already done? The only issue I see with this is how it’d work in practice. Which could be why no such system is in place. Or maybe degrees aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. (Poor attempt at humour)

    In all honesty I think the discussion should probably take off after the exams are done - once everyone isn’t so stressed. Thing is even if change does happen I can’t see it being at a time that we will benefit from it so these exams are gonna have to be passed one way or another.

    Yes, but is easy for the society to say well if you like the exemption requirements for being an accountant/ scientist / transponder then meet the requirement of those bodies.

    In terms of retesting people on what we have done - we have shown that we dont know it to level of detail required.

    I think the degree is hugely valuable - but its not a training ground just for FE1's; its to get people to the level of a degree.

    Going down the practice route is different.


  • Advertisement
  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,691 ✭✭✭4ensic15


    There were exemptions at one time in the sense that law graduates didn't have to sit the FE-1s at all. All very well until Queens University took a case because their degree wasn't eligible. Result - everyone does the FE-1s.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 188 ✭✭Teamhrach


    frankz wrote: »
    I think the degree is hugely valuable - but its not a training ground just for FE1's; its to get people to the level of a degree.

    Going down the practice route is different.

    It's like passing higher maths for the leaving cert and feeling entitled to a PhD! :rolleyes:

    I don’t agree with exemptions at all. I had extenuating circumstances for 5 of the last 6 years but got my degree and masters on merit and I wouldn’t want it to be any other way with the FE1s. It’s completely unworkable to have exemptions for some individuals - where’s the cut off point? Some people would chance their arm and get around it as I know people managed in uni.

    That said, having to pass 3 is very difficult when ill and/or working full time, bringing up a family or whatever candidates have to deal with, so that should definitely be looked at - for us to have a more enjoyable quality of life during our 20’s (or later), rather than having to sacrifice something or other, as going by today’s comments, a lot of us are having to do. I'd guess that most of the people running the law soc didn't have to endure the FE-1s? Maybe reduce it to having to sit 3 but pass 2... It shouldn't be made overly easy but I'm sure it's soul-destroying on people who sit 3 and almost make it.

    Re the venue: people from the west of Ireland are travelling anything from 3-6 hours which is tiresome and unnecessary. I’d love to see additional, more accessible, affordable venues around the country, even two venues in the midlands like Carrick-on-Shannon and Nenagh or something. I'm from north west Donegal but it would be a great compromise for people in my boat. It shouldn’t be difficult sourcing invigilators etc and there'd be lots of accommodation.

    I have my magic 3 and have had so much more to contend with than exams, so I’m no longer stressing over them. One thing I am aggrieved at [no one needs to comment on this point] is that I contacted the Law Soc about 2-3 weeks before the exams to say I wouldn’t be sitting them because a relative was terminally ill (and knew it would likely coincide). They died the day I was due to start and had wake/funeral on the other days. The Law Soc kept an admin fee for EACH of my exams. I think that’s a bit low when I told them in advance and had produced a death certificate, death notice and my birth cert confirming I was related. [This point is me ranting but the other points I believe are very valid and applicable for a lot of students around the country]


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭illy.m


    This is what I am saying, we are not asking for an exemption, but a more humane treatment. What is a problem of having the order of the exams same all the time? People saying that the pass 3 exam rule is reasonable as Fe1 are harder than college exams etc. But they already have a higher pass mark of 50% - I think is it fair to say at least that they make everything to make our lives harder. Also, it absolutely breaks my heart when older colleagues say "Oh we didn't have to sit them". Was college degree enough standard back in the 90s? Ok, its fine if it would have been challenged on that basis, however it was due to some student in NI. So why have the 3 pass rule? We are unfortunate enough to sit them anyway.


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭illy.m


    Also, the law society itself consist of study and getting you to the standard required. Did anyone know they have ethics module (someone could correct me on the right name of the module) where they get actors who teach you how to talk and prepare for a case etc. Also take for example conveyancing, its mostly procedural - what should you do in what case and what forms needed etc. And once you pass those exams and get your traineeship done then you qualify as a solicitor. Passing the Fe1 does not make you a solicitor.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 R146


    Teamhrach wrote: »
    It's like passing higher maths for the leaving cert and feeling entitled to a PhD! :rolleyes:

    I don’t agree with exemptions at all. I had extenuating circumstances for 5 of the last 6 years but got my degree and masters on merit and I wouldn’t want it to be any other way with the FE1s. It’s completely unworkable to have exemptions for some individuals - where’s the cut off point? Some people would chance their arm and get around it as I know people managed in uni.

    That said, having to pass 3 is very difficult when ill and/or working full time, bringing up a family or whatever candidates have to deal with, so that should definitely be looked at - for us to have a more enjoyable quality of life during our 20’s (or later), rather than having to sacrifice something or other, as going by today’s comments, a lot of us are having to do. I'd guess that most of the people running the law soc didn't have to endure the FE-1s? Maybe reduce it to having to sit 3 but pass 2... It shouldn't be made overly easy but I'm sure it's soul-destroying on people who sit 3 and almost make it.

    Re the venue: people from the west of Ireland are travelling anything from 3-6 hours which is tiresome and unnecessary. I’d love to see additional, more accessible, affordable venues around the country, even two venues in the midlands like Carrick-on-Shannon and Nenagh or something. I'm from north west Donegal but it would be a great compromise for people in my boat. It shouldn’t be difficult sourcing invigilators etc and there'd be lots of accommodation.

    I have my magic 3 and have had so much more to contend with than exams, so I’m no longer stressing over them. One thing I am aggrieved at [no one needs to comment on this point] is that I contacted the Law Soc about 2-3 weeks before the exams to say I wouldn’t be sitting them because a relative was terminally ill (and knew it would likely coincide). They died the day I was due to start and had wake/funeral on the other days. The Law Soc kept an admin fee for EACH of my exams. I think that’s a bit low when I told them in advance and had produced a death certificate, death notice and my birth cert confirming I was related. [This point is me ranting but the other points I believe are very valid and applicable for a lot of students around the country]


    What I was actually thinking of was more along the lines of certain areas of topics not being examined due to a competency in that area. But again - practicalities.

    Your point about merit I agree with and was in a similar situation as you for university. I worked for what I achieved and like you wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not talking about being handed a professional qualification - that would be nothing short of balmy. What I am really looking at is whether there is a way to recognize the work already done. But the point was fairly made previously that the degree is examined from an academic standpoint.

    The passing two at a time rule to me is just as ridiculous as having to pass three - if you pass any FE1 exam you should be entitled to have that recognized. It shouldn’t matter how many other exams you did or did not pass in that sitting - if the point is to show competency in each subject.

    I am sorry to hear about your family member and sympathize with you for having to go through so much to get the application fee back. I think if there was a set fee charged for admin as opposed to say 25 per exam it may be more fair. That said, perhaps this wouldn’t balance out monetary wise for them.


  • Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭jewels652


    frankz wrote: »
    The reports repeatedly say that its not about memory its about reasoning and analysis and that the lack of this and just regurgitating an essay leads to failure.

    They really dont need to take into account our private lives and/or work situation.

    Frankz
    Thank you so much for outlining the points that may be used against our arguments when we launch the petition. I actually expect the Law society to even make stronger arguments against our points and they will try and shot us down. That is to be expected, at the end of the day if we succeed the result would be the end of their money making machine.

    Anyway, like I said earlier we are not going to make high demands. The demands we are making are actually reasonable.
    It is very unfair having to sit the exams in such a tight timetable, having to take time of work and like many of us having to travel from far away and pay money in accommodation for 3 or 4 days.

    It is also very very unfair passing two exams out of 3 but having to repeat those 3 all over again. What is the purpose of that rule? Where is the equity on that? Or the fairness. What?? failing 2 out of 3 is not punishment enough is like kicking a man when he is already down.

    Also the lack of transparency and guidance given to students so we don’t have to just rely on predictions or having to cover everything on the syllabus so you can make sure that you will be well covered in the exam. Well I don’t have time for that. I don’t have the time to study the entire syllabus. And not everybody have the time or money to do the professional courses.
    So yeah they don’t have to consider our personal circumstances but at least give us some guidance, don’t be so harsh on us and don’t charge so much and if we request to see our paper to see where we went wrong have the decency to at least have the examiner to go through it with the student so that student can be better prepared next time. Is that too much to ask? I don’t think so. Surely, the are getting well paid to take 20 minutes out of their time to go through an exam script with a student.

    The law society have been very unreasonable with their charges and their treatment of the students. Is all about making money for them.

    Somebody commented about other professional bodies. If you study physiotherapy in Ireland for example, once you finish your degree you can go and practice but off course if you are a physiotherapist who trained in another jurisdiction then OFF COURSE you need to do the exams to be able to qualify in Ireland. This is completely reasonable this is because the profesional body for physiotherapists already know that the universities in Ireland meet the requirements. However, it is not practical for them to verify the standards in other countries so it makes sense that the entrance exams are only for those who trained in another jurisdiction. Imagine if they decide to introduce the entrance requirements required for foreign trained physiotherapists to those train in Ireland ? Will they just accepted and take it in the chin? I don’t think so.

    Why should it be different for us who studied law for 3 or 4 long years and on top of everything is not enough we have to do exams we have to do another year of PPC in Dublin and 18 Months of traineeship. Am I the only one that thinks these requirements are completely unreasonable?

    And like I said I am not looking for high demands what I am looking is for the 3 exam rule to be abolished and for the timetables to be changed. Somebody suggested that one exam every Sunday that would actually work out. I rather wait longer for the results than having to go to the stress of sitting one exam after the other and that way there won’t be any need to take time of work. That was a great suggestion whoever made it.

    Again somebody else mention that this is not done in other jurisdictions and is true I applied for the New York bar and it Only costs 750€ to do the 3 exams one is open book and multiple choice questions after passing exams you do 50 hours pro bono and do a fitness to practice interview and if you passed you are a fully qualified Attorney noo need to do another year of PPC or 18 months of training and it also applies to foreign lawyers.
    It is actually more expensive for me to qualify here than in New York and that is taking into account the price of the New York exam travel expenses and accommodation to go for the 3 days to do sit the exam and then to do the interview.
    While some people are happy with the rules imposed by the law society there are many people out there that are very unhappy and are not longer willing to put up with their unreasonable and unfair treatment of students and if this is the view of the majority, then we will stand for them and make sure they are heard.
    In the meantime, this is an issue that I will consider once I finish my exams.
    Best of luck everyone.


  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    Jewels - you are welcome. We are all trying to make it better. The crazy suggestions dont help anybody.

    Would agree with most of what you say except for the bit about not having the time to cover the entire syllabus - there is just no arguing that; makes it too easy for them.


  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    jewels652 wrote: »
    frankz wrote: »
    The reports repeatedly say that its not about memory its about reasoning and analysis and that the lack of this and just regurgitating an essay leads to failure.

    They really dont need to take into account our private lives and/or work situation.

    Frankz
    Thank you so much for outlining the points that may be used against our arguments when we launch the petition. I actually expect the Law society to even make stronger arguments against our points and they will try and shot us down. That is to be expected, at the end of the day if we succeed the result would be the end of their money making machine.

    Anyway, like I said earlier we are not going to make ...

    Just to add
    Thats not really a point for or against either and the rest of the post goes in a different direction so it we are too succeed we cant be passive aggressive and quoting one point and then going on to answer a totally different point. (Same as an FE1 exam question:)!)

    The quoted point is not an argument with the society, learnt off answers to old questions obviously dont answer new unseen questions.

    Personal lives is not an argument - to achieve certain things I couldn't do things my friends did and visa versa. I am happy with my decisions and believe they are happy with theirs and we both achieved some of our goals and are striving for others.


  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    jewels652 wrote: »


    So yeah they don’t have to consider our personal circumstances but at least give us some guidance, don’t be so harsh on us and don’t charge so much and if we request to see our paper to see where we went wrong have the decency to at least have the examiner to go through it with the student so that student can be better prepared next time. Is that too much to ask? I don’t think so. Surely, the are getting well paid to take 20 minutes out of their time to go through an exam script with a student.
    ...

    .

    ????
    Ok, have I been sucked in by a troll?

    The examiner is going to offer 20 minutes to each student to sit with something between 650 and 900 students? Ya, that realistic.

    If not a troll I think you maybe forgetting this is not just about you.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 248 ✭✭frankz


    jewels652 wrote: »
    Perhaps we should also open a private Facebook page as well.
    That will spread very fast

    Surely make it public?

    A private one is just an echo chamber.


Advertisement