This is the website of Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC), an organisation that embodies the values of access to justice, community service, and public empowerment. It has been working tirelessly in Ireland since its foundation in 1969 by a group of visionary law students: David Byrne, who later became Attorney General and European Commissioner; Denis McCullough; Vivian Lavan; and Ian Candy. What started as a small volunteer effort has grown into a respected national body advocating for equal access to justice and providing vital support for people who cannot afford legal representation.
Here, you will discover a wealth of information and services that will help you understand not only the social side of law, but also how the legal system operates in real-life situations. You will find that FLAC offers free and confidential legal advice clinics across Ireland, usually staffed by volunteer solicitors and barristers. This is where your interest as an aspiring legal professional truly comes into play.
Volunteering at, or even observing, these clinics offers a unique opportunity to see how legal principles are applied to everyday issues such as housing, employment, social welfare, and family law. Through FLAC’s work, you will gain insight into how legal services can make a genuine difference in people’s lives, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.
FLAC also undertakes strategic litigation and policy advocacy, especially in areas where legal reform is urgently needed. As someone with ambitions in law, this provides an opportunity to follow how test cases are built and argued, and how legal tools are used to bring about social change. Its publications and legal guides are another valuable resource that will broaden your understanding of key legal issues in Ireland, presented in an accessible and practical way.
In conclusion, whether you are a law student, trainee solicitor, or someone considering a legal career, FLAC is an invaluable resource. It introduces you to the practical realities of law, offers opportunities to engage with clients and communities, and reinforces the importance of justice and fairness in your future profession. Founded by students with a passion for justice, FLAC continues to inspire generations of lawyers to use their skills not only for career progression, but for the greater good.
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