Humanities

Ann-Marie McGrath, Placement Co-ordinator and Course Leader B.A. in Legal Studies; John O’Carroll, Higher Executive Office, Property Registration Authority of Ireland; Daniel Magnier, LL.B student Assumpta Kimindiri, B.A. in Legal Studies student; Colm Kelly-Ryan, LL.B student and President of the WIT Law Society. Photo by Larry Condon

Students studying law as part of a variety of courses at WIT gained practical experience in the Waterford-based Property Registration Authority

Six students from Waterford Institute of Technology were given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) during their summer break.

Bachelor of Laws students Emily Hearne, Saoirse Fleming and Daniel Magnier, together with Assumpta Kimindiri (BA in Legal Studies), Catherine Kelly (BA (Hons) with Law minor) and Claire McDonald (BA (Hons) in Psychology with Law minor) took part in the two-week summer placement scheme. The scheme is now in its sixth year and each year participants are selected on the basis of academic merit.

First-hand experience

During their placement, the students gained practical experience in all stages of the registration of land ownership and interests, for which the PRA has national statutory authority in Ireland.  Ann-Marie McGrath, Course Leader on the BA in Legal Studies degree, who co-ordinated the 2017 scheme, said: “The opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the work of the Property Registration Authority is invaluable to our students and we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the PRA for their continued support in this regard.”

Dr Michael Bergin, Head of the Department of Applied Arts, said:  “This placement allows our law students to further develop their understanding of Land Law, providing them with a valuable opportunity to apply theory to practice.  Practical work experience is of enormous benefit to our students and we very much appreciate the support of the staff at the Property Registration Authority in the operation of this scheme.”

Convenyancing and land law

Assumpta Kimindiri, who is currently in the final year of her studies (B.A. (Hons.) in Legal Studies with Business) stated: “I really enjoyed my time at the PRA. I am glad that I got to apply what I learned in college as part of my Conveyancing module. I will be able to apply the experience that I gained during my time at the PRA in the near future.”

Daniel Magnier, a final year Bachelor of Laws student, said, “All in all, the whole experience was very beneficial in that I learned a huge deal about Land Law.  An important aspect of the experience was learning exactly what happens in the Property Registration Authority and outlining it as a possible career in the future.  It is easy to see why the internship programme is so successful year after year with many people reaping its benefits.”

The closing date for applications for this 2018’s scheme is Friday, 18 May, 2018.  Please contact Carmel Brennan at [email protected] for further details.

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