My Career: ‘Being surrounded by strong female leaders really reinforces what’s possible’

Name: Elena O’Driscoll

Age: 26

Lives: Carrigaline, Cork

Job title: Trainee Solicitor at Comyn Kelleher Tobin LLP (CKT)

Salary bracket: Enough to get by

Education background: I completed an undergraduate Law Degree (BCL) in University College Cork in 2020. After graduating, I set about sitting the FE1 exams, which are incredibly challenging, but once I had passed all eight, I was ready to begin the Professional Practice Course (PPC) at Blackhall Place in 2023.

My time in Blackhall was a brilliant experience that included mock courtrooms, practical workshops with actors playing clients, and tutorials led by practising solicitors and barristers. I then completed four Advanced Electives in areas of law that interested me, Healthcare Law, Child Law, Employment Law and Advanced Dispute Resolution.

Once I had completed this part of my training, I was awarded an Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice and returned to the office to continue my training.

Hobbies: I enjoy indoor spin classes, horse riding, walking my dog Tito, and generally spending time with animals - I’m happiest when outdoors or around animals.

Describe your job in five words: Fast-paced, challenging, rewarding, collaborative, and meaningful.

Describe yourself in five words: Hardworking, dependable, organised, enthusiastic, and driven.

Personality needed for this kind of work? You need to be organised, and detail-focused. Being able to prioritise, stay calm, and work under pressure is also essential, since there’s often a lot going on. Finally, good communication and teamwork skills are really important, particularly in a busy firm where you’re working closely with people across different departments and practice areas.

How long are you doing this job? I first interned in CKT in 2021 and returned as a Trainee Solicitor in May, 2023. I’m currently in the final stages of my traineeship and due to qualify as a solicitor in January, 2026, so I’ve been on this journey just over two years now.

How did you get this job? I took what you’d call the typical route into law. After my Leaving Cert in 2017, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do, but I’ve always loved learning, making my case, and a good debate, so law felt like a natural fit. I didn’t come from a family of lawyers, but shows like The Good Wife definitely inspired me.

I studied law in UCC while working part-time in retail, a role that taught me resilience, communication, and people skills. I originally applied to intern with CKT in 2020, but that was postponed due to covid. I finally interned there in 2021 and immediately knew it was where I wanted to train. I always hoped to stay in Cork, and CKT’s strong reputation really aligned with what I was looking for.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? To become a solicitor in Ireland, you need to pass the eight FE1 exams, which are stand-alone exams administered by the Law Society of Ireland. A law degree is the most common route, but it’s not essential, though I’d say doing the exams without one would be a major challenge.

After passing the FE1s, you also need to secure a training contract with a firm that will sponsor you for your in-office training over a three-year period. Honestly, the FE1s were one of the toughest parts of the process.

Describe a day at work: No two days are ever the same, and that’s what I love about it. I usually start at 9am by checking emails and reviewing my diary. I might spend the morning drafting correspondence, attending court, or sitting in on client meetings or calls with barristers or experts. There’s often legal research to be done too, depending on the cases I’m assisting with.

Morning coffee is a must and we’re lucky to have loads of options on our doorstep. At lunch, I might catch up with colleagues or meet up with other trainee solicitors from Cork firms who I met during my time in Blackhall Place. We’ve built a really supportive network here.

How many hours do you work a week? I typically work around 40 hours a week. Maintaining a good work-life balance is something I really try to prioritise, even when things are busy.

What do you wear to work? Our dress code is quite formal, given the nature of the work, so I usually wear suits, dresses, or blouses and blazers. We do have Casual Fridays, which are always a nice change of pace!

Is your industry male or female dominated? The legal profession in Ireland is now female-dominated overall, although some senior positions in certain practice areas are still male-leaning. That said, CKT is a firm with strong female leadership, and that’s been incredibly motivating. It’s inspiring to work in a place where female success is the standard, not the exception.

Does this affect you in any particular way? Absolutely. Being surrounded by strong female leaders really reinforces what’s possible. It pushes me to raise my own standards and reminds me that I belong at the table.

Is your job stressful? How? It can definitely be stressful at times. Things move quickly, and priorities can shift throughout the day. But I try to stay organised and not let one tough moment derail my whole day, and getting outside helps me reset. The mental health conversation in law is becoming more open, and during the PPC we even had access to counselling support through Blackhall, which I thought was a really positive step.

Do you work with others or on your own? Both. I work closely with solicitors, barristers, secretaries, and clients on a daily basis, but I also spend a lot of time doing independent research, drafting, or preparing for court.

CKT is a mid-sized firm, and the collaborative culture here is one of the things I value most.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? I haven’t thought that far ahead just yet! I’m only at the start of my career and I’m focused on building a career I enjoy and can be proud of.

Best bits: Being in court, whether in the District Court in Cork or the Four Courts in Dublin, it’s always a stand-out. There’s something exciting about preparing for court and then seeing it all play out in real-time.

Worst bits: The workload can spike unexpectedly; one minute you’re on top of everything, the next you’re juggling urgent deadlines. Learning to prioritise under pressure is essential, but it can be tough.

Advice to those who want your job? Get as much hands-on experience as you can, whether through internships or work experience. That exposure will help you decide if law is right for you.

The road to qualification can be long, but if you’re willing to put in the work, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Any other comments? One of the stand-out aspects of my training has been my role as a Law Society Law School Ambassador. The programme links post-PPC trainees and newly qualified solicitors with incoming trainees who are just starting their journey.

It’s been a great way to give back, and I’ve loved being able to offer support and guidance to others while also learning from them in return. It has reminded me how important mentorship and peer support are in this profession.