First year Law Students Become Lawyers for the Day!

ATU Donegal’s Department of Law, Public Services and Education held its 5th Annual Mock Trial for first year Law Students in Letterkenny Courthouse recently. Over 70 students participated in an innovative and invaluable Mock Trial which took place over two days as part of the "Foundations of Law" first year module. This is the fifth consecutive year of this collaboration, and the trials were yet again a resounding success, largely due to the assistance of the Court Services staff in Letterkenny who ensured the seamless running of proceedings.

Preparation for the Trial, overseen by their lecturer Daireen Laverty, involved interactive individual and team activities during which the students developed legal, analytical, advocacy, communications and team building skills which are then applied in their participation in the mock trials.

The mock trial immerses the students in the real-life practice of law through which they further develop these skill sets.

The realism of the experience was enhanced by visits from the current President of the District Court, Judge Paul Kelly, and current sitting District Court Judge, Eiteain Cunningham to two of the trials

- who very kindly observed the students in action and offered

From Leitrim to Europe, the Sky is the Limit for Greta

Having completed her Leaving Certificate in St. Clare’s Comprehensive School in Manorhamilton, Leitrim, Greta Baronaite had heard incredible things about the three-year honours Law degree (LLB) at ATU Donegal. The reputation, the modules and employment prospects intrigued Greta and in September 2022, she made the move to Letterkenny to progress her interest.

Greta commented, “When I started the LLB (Hons) programme I was blown away by how interactive it was, the lecturers on the programme really encourage engagement, conversation and collaboration. The clubs and societies and student life at ATU is focused on togetherness and you never feel left out at ATU. During the year, there was a call-out by the Head of Department of Law, Public Service & Education, Bronagh Heverin to become an 'EU Careers Student Ambassador’. An EU Careers Student Ambassador promotes EU career opportunities in a variety of universities across the EU. The Ambassadors build an exciting student network across Europe and get to meet high-ranking EU officials, an opportunity that really excited me. I was delighted to be accepted as one of the two EU Careers Ambassadors at the Donegal campus and this October I will travel to Luxembourg as part of this role.”

Greta further added, “When I complete the LLB (Hons), I plan to complete my Masters at ATU, and work in either the EU Courts of Justice or Parliament, or perhaps I will become a barrister based in Letterkenny. You learn so much on this programme and the career opportunities from the programme are incredible. I am excited about my future in Law.”

If you want to find out more about following in Greta’s footsteps, visit www.atu.ie/AU310 some guidance and advice on the rules of advocacy.

If you would like to find out more about the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) LLB, visit www.atu.ie/AU310

Congratulations to ATU third year Law with Criminal Justice student, Emily McLaughlin-Ball, who has been successful in her application to the Washington Ireland Program Class of 2023. This is a fantastic achievement and a super opportunity where Emily will complete an eight Week Leadership Programme in the United States this summer.

Emily will be one of 30 inspiring young leaders from Ireland and Northern Ireland travelling to the United States (25 to Washington DC and 5 to New York) to complete the programme. While in the US, students will complete an individual work placement, best suited to their interests and career ambitions.

Having successfully come through a competitive recruitment process open to all students in Ireland in all disciplines, Emily and the Class of 2023 have just begun the programme and completed their orientation recently in Ballycastle.

If you would like to find out more about the BA in Law with Criminal Justice, visit www.atu.ie/AU210

ATU Law Society Students Raised a Total of €760 for the Donegal Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC)

ATU Donegal’s Law society ran two successful events both of which were in aid of the DRCC. These events were supported by students and staff at ATU. The first event was a movie night with lots of popcorn. The second was a charity quiz night where nine teams participated. On the night there was a raffle, and the Debate team very kindly sponsored a prize. Both events were fun evenings and the Law society raised a total of €760. There was also a collaboration event with the charitable and Human Rights organisation Amnesty International, where they hosted a special screening of "Aisha" a film that captures the true reality behind the direct provision system in Ireland and the difficulties one faces in this system. It was a great night with a fantastic turnout from both students as well as members of the Letterkenny Amnesty Group. There were also guest speakers at the event who shared their stories and experiences from the direct provision system and shelters.