Queen's University received a visit from one its most famous daughters when President of Ireland Mary McAleese returned to her Alma Mater to open an extension to her former department – the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.

The £850,000 extension to the Lennoxvale premises includes a new lecture theatre, three seminar rooms and an information technology suite. The new seminar rooms, in common with the existing accommodation, are equipped to allow video recording of trainees. The department's new IT suite will enable trainees to improve their IT skills and their legal research skills. It will also provide a vehicle for new opportunities in computer-based learning.

Queen’s vice chancellor, Professor Sir George Bain, said: “One of the main ways in which Queen’s makes a major contribution to the local community in Northern Ireland is through the training of its professionals – in law, medicine, teaching, engineering and many other areas.

“This major investment by the University reflects the value which Queen’s places upon vocational legal training and its importance to society at large.”

The Institute is unique in the UK and Ireland in offering a one-year postgraduate course of vocational training for both trainee barristers and trainee solicitors. Anyone who intends to enter either branch of the legal profession in Northern Ireland must attend the Institute and successfully complete the course that leads to the award of the Certificate in Professional Legal Studies.

Anne Fenton, who succeeded President McAleese as Director of the Institute, commented: “In partnership with the professional bodies, the Institute, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, is now well positioned to spearhead the development of legal training in the 21st century.”

Although part of Queen’s, the Institute is governed by the Council of Legal Education, which is made up of representatives of the Bar, the Law Society and the University.

(GMcG)