My career guidance counsellor and parents guided me to where my strength lay and that enabled me to identify at the CAO form stage what might interest me the most in third level. I studied law in third level and that confirmed that it was a profession that may interest me. Another key milestone was my traineeship as academic study is very different to work in the real world. Once I could see what it was like to practice law in the real world I knew for sure that this was a career that would be challenging and interesting for me.

I was very lucky to have very supportive parents who encouraged me to explore what I may be most interested in. My school guidance counsellor was also very supportive.

I worked in the child law area in the private sector for many years and then an opportunity came up to work in Tusla.

I work on all aspects of human rights for children and families. Some days we are preparing to go to Court and other days we could be working on giving legal guidance on important decisions for families and informing policies for Tusla workers.

I give legal advice to Tusla on all aspects of its function from child protection to education and welfare. I attend Court and help to make sure that the Court process respects everyone’s human rights.

Sometimes the cases are difficult and take longer than expected but I am aways well supported. We have also got support from other areas in Tusla like Data Protection so we work together as a team.

I like working with dozens of different staff members every day as we work as a team to protect children’s rights.

Sometimes the cases are difficult and take longer than expected but it is important that enough time is given to complicated matters.

It is important to be a good listener and to be able to put yourselves in the shoes of other people. Also, sometimes it is important to take your time before making decisions and talk to other people to get another point of view.

I enjoyed history, English and civics. I also did Latin but it is not essential for a future career in law! Any subjects that encourage curiosity and asking questions and challenging narratives would be useful for a career in law.

I went to school in Dublin and achieved a law degree in Trinity College. I then studied to be a solicitor in the Law Society. Education never stops though and working in the private sector has also formed me.

My third level education was most focussed on law but you do not need a law degree to make a successful career in law. Many people come from different backgrounds and I think critical thinking and good listening skills are perhaps the most important parts of your education that you should seek to develop.

I qualified as a solicitor from the Law Society but actually being able to put my training into practice is most rewarding. Helping people understand their legal duties and rights is very important and plays a part in upholding our democracy.

I am a good listener and have curiosity. Never be afraid to ask questions as that is the only way you learn!

A profession in the law is not for everyone but it is very rewarding and you can help people understand their rights. I am very happy working in my job in Tusla.

The role involves working in the office/work from home and also in other venues such as in the Courts. The truth is that your time is not always your own as the demands of protecting children may not fit neatly with a 9-5 job.

Ask loads of questions and be curious. There are many different areas of law and just because one area is popular does not mean you will like it. You may find that another less known area of law might be right up your alley! Child law is a niche area but I like it.

I am always learning. Like most other professions (eg medicine), the law does not stand still and it must react to changes in society and seek to place human rights at the core of its work. We must do 23 hours continuous professional training every year and I will always try and focus on human rights law and child law.

Work experience in a solicitors office would be best. Also, seeing a barrister at work in the courts would be very useful. There are other opportunities which could be helpful for example in the Courts Service or in a non governmental organisation such as Free Legal Advice Centres.

Senior Solicitor.