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ByrneWallace LLP Diarmaid Harnett
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Diarmaid Harnett

Diarmaid Harnett

Job Title:Trainee
Trainee placements:

Corporate

Technology

Qualifications:

2012: University of Victoria, Canada - part of international law exchange programme

2013: Law and Economics (LLB), University of Limerick

2015: FE1s

2016: PPC1 - Autumn Course
Due to Qualify2018


Why ByrneWallace LLP?

The trainee solicitor open evening left a lasting positive impression upon me. The warmth, enthusiasm and interest staff showed when speaking about their roles in the firm really excited me, and I was attracted by the prospect of working in a goal orientated, well rounded and ambitious firm like ByrneWallace LLP.

I was aware of the number of prestigious awards the firm had achieved and I knew that within the traineeship programme I would gain a wealth of knowledge and insight as well as quickly develop my own legal career. The firm is renowned for its ability to consistently deliver results for clients, and this assured me that I would be constantly challenged as well as gain valuable commercial experience working with clients.

Having interned in the Property Department, I gained first-hand experience of the vibrant, friendly and welcoming culture within the firm. Throughout the office, people were open and friendly, and there was a strong sense of team spirit in the midst of high productivity and intense focus.


Describe the interview process

The first part of the interview focused on a presentation, which I was required to prepare in advance. I chose to present on how the Companies Act 2014 facilitates Irish corporate growth.  The remainder of the interview comprised of competency-based questions and a discussion on why I would be a suited to the firm.

Overall, I found the process to be an exacting but positive experience. In spite of the high standard expected, I was made to feel relaxed which in turn gave me confidence to show my strongest capabilities. Throughout each stage of the interview process, I gained a deeper understanding of the firm and why I thought it was the best fit for me.


Describe your rotations to date

I took part in the ByrneWallace LLP internship programme in June 2015. I found this experience to be highly beneficial as it provided me with a real sense of what it is like to work as a trainee and ultimately as a solicitor in a leading commercial law firm. Following an interview later in 2015, (and completing the dreaded FE1s!), I was offered a place on the traineeship programme.

I have just completed my first rotation in the Corporate and Technology Departments. Life as a trainee is dynamic, exciting, fast paced and, at times, a little bit complex! The work is extremely varied. Whilst a lot of the work is transaction based, it was interesting to see how no two corporate transactions or deals are the same. Other duties involved carrying out research for clients, ranging from the new Companies Act, EU regulations and intellectual property matters. I also attended meetings and closings and drafted various legal documents.

I particularly enjoyed the significant level of responsibility I was given. It was a comfort to have an extended team around me though who were always willing to help if any issues arose.


Future at ByrneWallace LPP

I have completed my rotation with the Corporate and Technology Departments and am looking forward to commencing PPC1 in Blackhall Place.  An advantage of being a trainee at ByrneWallace LLP is that you have the opportunity to complete rotations in four core practice areas. As such, my preference on return would be to complete a rotation in the Litigation Department. I believe that this variation is important, as I will gain experience across a wide variety of work and learn what my preferred area of law is so that on qualifying, I will be in a position to be a valuable asset to the firm and the client.

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