NEW YORK BAR TESTIMONIALS

Daniel Grace – NYB Class ’11 

LL.B (Law & Acc.) (UL), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

During my final year of Law and Accounting I realised what I already knew; the usual talk of FE1’s, Kings Inn’s and CAP’s just didn’t really excite me. I wanted a challenge that was outside of the box, and not on the normal track that we are led down. Following an excellent presentation from Oliver in November I realised that not only was the New York Bar Exam going to be my desired route, it was the perfect route. Although the course schedule is demanding, when you sit down to open the first question you realise why; Friary Law leave no stone unturned. The programme is motivating, easy to follow and above all interesting.

The main obstacle to my studies was my sporting commitments, and Friary’s home study course complemented this perfectly. I received all materials immediately and all extra work was sent to me without a moments delay. Dee, Sandra and Gordon worked tirelessly to ensure that my home could become my classroom and I was successful first time. I would not hesitate to recommend Friary Law to any law graduate, as I have already done. Thank you to Dee, Sandra, Gordon, Oliver and all involved with Friary Law for providing me with this opportunity in life.

Avril Biggins – NYB Class ’11

BCL (NUIG), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

I would like to express my thanks to all of the Friarylaw team. Upon deciding to take the New York Bar exam after I graduated from NUI Galway(B.C.L) Friarylaw immediately seemed like the best course to prepare me to take this gruelling exam. The structure of Friarylaw’s program with two weekly lectures and weekly study schedules enables you to digest the vast amount of material while highlighting the most important points. The two mock examinations given in the weeks preceding the exam were hugely significant in equipping me with the skills needed to pass the Bar first time and undoubtedly relieved some of the stress I faced on the day of the exam. As well as the structure of the course itself the team at Friarylaw played an enormous part in helping me pass this exam, all problems and queries were answered quickly and thoroughly. Our Course facilitator in Galway, Lughaidh, was also a huge help with always being available to answer questions and give advice. This support network and course structure is obviously what makes the Friarylaw NY Bar program successful and I would recommend it to anyone considering taking on this challenge. In an economy in which the legal profession is suffering a qualification as unique and prestigious as this seems like an ideal way to stand out from the crowd. I have been offered an Internship in New York this summer with the possibility of full-time employment after, none of which would have been possible without passing this exam.

Catherine Flanagan – NYB Class ’11

LL.B (QUB), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

I was a student on the Winter 2010/2011 New York Bar Course in Belfast. I was working during the week in Bristol so commuted to Belfast every weekend to attend lectures.  It was both physically and psychologically demanding but I had made the decision to commit myself to qualifying as a New York Attorney so sacrifices had to be made. I found the course extremely interesting and stimulating; I gained an in-depth understanding of New York and Federal law and with that came a better understanding of Irish and British law. It was very demanding; I had to study for long hours and practice questions over and over again. All the staff at Friary were a huge help and support. Eoin and Kevin were so honest about the level of work we should be putting into our studies and were always extremely helpful if I had any questions or queries about the course or materials. They were excellent facilitators. Deidre was always really nice and friendly any time I contacted the office in Dublin. To my mind, success on the New York Bar exam is hard won. It is an intense and difficult time and the exams were the toughest I’ve taken in my life. The key is putting in effort every step of the way, making short-term sacrifices for long-term gain and mastering the big issues and the finer details of the course. You must be the catalyst for Bar exam success but Friary will provide you with great tuition and support. I do not regret one hour of study I put into the course and Tuesday 26th April 2011 was one of the happiest days of my life. I will be sworn in as an Attorney and Counselor-at-Law this June in New York.  I would like to thank everybody at Friary for their help and guidance.

Chris Dowley – NYB Class ’10

BCL (UCD), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

LLM Candidate (Fordham)

First of all thank you so much to yourself and everyone else in Friarylaw for all the help and support throughout the course. I passed first time… delighted.

William Corcoran – NYB Class ’10

LL.B (Law & Eur. Studies) (UL), Attorney-at-Law (NY) 

 I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Friary. All of the Friary team are top class and very helpful. I simply would not have sat or passed this exam without all of your help. I am delighted to have attained this highly prestigious qualification and look forward to my enrolment. It is a really emotional thing when you actually get the good news! Friarylaw provides a real structure to your study programme, their methods for study and exam technique are proven and this makes what is quite a daunting experience a lot less stressful. Having a lecture every week with their strict schedule means that you remain on top of the programme, dedicated and motivated which is crucial to success first time. The fact that so many candidates have gone through the process with Friary mean they have it down to a fine art. The Friarylaw programme helped me to hit a fifth gear which had been lying dormant. If you want the ultimate challenge and want to set yourself apart from the crowd this is the way to do it. 

Emma Leahy – NYB Class ’09        

BCL (UCC), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Just to say a big thank you to Dee, Oliver and all the team at Friary law. They made the task of taking the bar so bearable and were always there to help whenever it was needed. They were great “motivators” as well. Thanks again to all at Friarylaw I could not have passed without them.

Beatrice Larkin – NYB Class ‘09                                                     

BCL (UCD), LLM (Georgetown), Attorney-at-Law (NY) 

The decision to enrol in the Friarylaw New York Bar Program has accelerated my career progression and exposed me to a multitude of exciting opportunities that would not, otherwise, have been available to me. Having completed my BCL degree at UCD only 9 months ago, I have now sat the New York Bar and MPRE exams, with the possibility of being admitted as an attorney this coming June. I recommend the program without reservation; the Friarylaw team’s expertise and personalized approach will enable you to turn your career dreams into reality.             

Conor McLoughlin – NYB Class ’10

LL.B (Portobello)

It was quite daunting approaching the New York Bar and holding down a full time job, but the clear, concise study programmes and the fact that there is somebody there to ask if you have concerns make all the difference. I really appreciated all the extra work done behind the scenes.

Declan Crowe – NYB Class ‘09                

BCL (UCD), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

I found the team at Friarylaw to be first class. They prepare each candidate effectively for the bar exam, and have always have time to assist any student who is falling behind or finding the workload difficult to sustain. They are very detailed and offer excellent guidance during what is quite a stressful period leading up to the exam. Their facilities are brilliant and their location is very convenient. Oliver’s knowledge along with Dee’s enthusiasm and experience make this process much easier than would otherwise be the case. I cannot recommend Friarylaw highly enough.

Ciara Brunton – NYB Class ‘09               

LL.B (QUB), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Thank you Oliver and all the Friarylaw staff including Dee and Sandra for all your help during the last few months; the hard work has finally paid having found out last week that I passed the NY bar exam on the first sitting! It is undoubtedly the most challenging process and exam I have ever experienced but it is also by far the most rewarding. Without strictly adhering to the schedule set forth by Friary the outcome may well have been very different and I have no doubts that following the set timetables were crucial to my success. I feel like I now have an endless amount of options on both sides of the Atlantic given that the New York law firms now have a massive presence in London and Europe and now that the New York Stock Exchange has set up in Ireland. It has always been said that in a time of recession and economic downturn that you should try to set yourself apart from the rest of your cohorts by adding something unique to your CV; I am happy to say that I made the right choice setting myself apart from the crowd by adding this very prestigious and internationally recognised qualification to my CV. Thanks again for all your assistance throughout the year.

Lauren Geddis – NYB Class ‘06            

LL.B (QUB) Attorney-at-Law (NY)              

Taking the New York Bar was one of the best decisions I have made to date. I joined the first Belfast class in 2006 and thoroughly enjoyed the course whilst making great friends along the way. The course was everything it promised to be; challenging and intense but very worthwhile. I passed the exams successfully and sworn into the bar with my classmate Ciara in January 2007. In the Summer of 2007 I was delighted to start working in the Belfast in-house Legal department of Citi (an investment bank headquartered in New York) and within 6 months I was promoted to the position of team leader of a team of 6 contract negotiators. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Friarylaw team for all the help, support and advice I received during and even subsequent to passing the exams, it really made the difference! I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, enjoys learning new skills and is willing to listen and take onboard good advice. If you want to challenge yourself and make an achievement that is very transferable, then this is the course for you.

Julie Bowe – NYB Class ‘05               

LL.B (UL), LLM (UCD), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

As an Irish law graduate I wished to obtain a qualification that is truly international in nature. After undertaking some research it became apparent that the New York Bar qualification would facilitate the attainment of a position outside the realms of the traditional legal career path existent in Ireland. This qualification combined with my undergraduate degree (LLB Law & European Studies incorporating French) alongside an LLM in Commercial Law, provide the skills necessary to achieve success in an international setting.

Matthew Barter – NYB Class ’03         

LL.B (Dub.) Attorney-at-Law (NY)           

Attorney, Jones Day LLP, New York

After passing the bar exam I started an LLM at Georgetown (International Law). I was really pleased with my decision to undertake this masters as it was a great experience – I met many interesting people from various legal backgrounds and I was really able to specialise my own legal interests. I am now working in New York at Jones Day in the litigation department and very much enjoying it. The job is demanding, but I am learning a great deal and I truly believe that New York is the greatest place to start a career. Having already passed the NYB exam was an invaluable help to me while job hunting last year as most other LL.Ms were not qualified in the US.

Peter McKeown – NYB Class ‘04         

BCL (UCD), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Since my very first meeting with Oliver, the New York Bar Exam has intrigued me. As a challenge, it has been extremely tough. On the other hand, the format of the exam and its required study approach is more proactive than here in Ireland. This made preparation more interesting in a strange kind of way! The Bar/Bri course leaves no stone unturned. The standard of lecturing was truly excellent for most of the course. In addition, the reading and testing materials are fine tuned to perfection with a view to taking the exam- and passing it. However, it is the expertise, advice and general coaching provided by the Friarylaw team that makes this course! I have found that the career advice received has opened more doors than I could have imagined possible.

Peter Kielty – NYB Class ‘03               

LL.B (Ulster), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Finding myself near to graduation, I knew I needed something that would challenge me and also inject some much-needed excitement into my life. That was amply provided in the form of the Bar Review course I undertook with Oliver, which prepared me for the rigours of the New York Bar exam. After a few months of the hardest study of my life, Oliver’s thorough approach to the exam paid off for me, with a pass on the winter 2004 exam. Almost two years after the exam, my life could not be more different that it was. I now reside in Manhattan and am constantly amazed at the new and exciting directions my life continues to take. To gain a position of such respect at such a young age is a fantastic feeling, and being an attorney in the city puts you in a position to achieve virtually anything you want. For those adventurous enough to try it, Oliver’s course can open up a world you didn’t know existed.

Keith O’Grady – NYB Class ‘02            

B.Corp.Law, LL.B (NUIG), BL, Attorney-at-Law (NY)

After graduating from University, I wanted to attain a qualification that would give me the option of working outside of the traditional legal profession in this jurisdiction. I met with Oliver in October 2002 and started the course immediately. Four months later, I travelled to New York and was successful in the exam. The course is exceptional in that it gives each student access to the considerable resources of the Friarylaw team. Meeting with previous successful candidates provides students with an invaluable source of information on all aspects of the exam. The “Attorney-at-Law” qualification is without doubt an international passport in that it opens doors to a wider legal profession. The increased globalisation of the legal marketplace in recent years has ensured that the qualification has become essential for those wishing to practise law in the international sphere.

Kate O’Brien – NYB Class ‘04                 

BA (Lehigh), J.D (Columbus), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

As an American law graduate living in Dublin, I was delighted to learn of Friarylaw’s association with BAR/BRI in providing a New York Bar Exam preparation course.  BAR/BRI is widely accepted in the US as providing the most successful Bar Exam preparation through a combination of lectures from qualified experts in each of the subject areas and the most comprehensive collection of materials and sample questions with detailed answer explanations.  The BAR/BRI method is relied upon by an overwhelming majority of law graduates in the US and the Friarylaw programme provides a unique opportunity for Irish candidates to benefit from this proven technique. However, the Friarylaw programme provides more than just lectures and materials.  The ‘hands-on’ approach taken by the Programme Administrators – all of whom are qualified New York attorneys – gives each candidate the opportunity to address their personal concerns and receive first-hand advice and guidance on how approach the exam and, ultimately, how to achieve success.

Cliodhna O’Callaghan-Dineen – NYB Class ‘04             

LL.B (UL), LLM (UCC), BL, Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Head of Law, Griffith College Cork

The New York Bar course is a fantastic opportunity for Law graduates to widen their horizon and open many new doors of opportunity. As soon as I heard about the course I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed. In fact it opens so many doors, it may seem a bit daunting choosing which path to take! The course itself is really well run. The quality of lecturing is fantastic, of which combined with the BAR/BRI notes, you will have more than you need to pass the exam. I found the advice and the time of those in charge of the course at Friarylaw superb and very rewarding. Having sat and passed the New York bar themselves they know exactly what to say and do and their advice is invaluable. However, this is not to say that on the advice, the notes and the lectures alone you will definitely pass. It needs a lot of hard work on your behalf. It is very challenging, however, as a Law graduate it is a challenge you will thoroughly enjoy and find very rewarding, I highly recommend it!

Brian Regan – NYB Class ‘04                

BCL(UCD), BL, Attorney-at-Law (NY)

After finishing my BCL at University College Dublin, I decided that I wanted to do something both interesting and practical with my legal career. The NY Bar programme offered by Friarylaw matched both requirements. The course materials as well as the advice and assistance offered by the team at Friarylaw made studying for the NY Bar a far less daunting task than it would have been otherwise. The course is run in an extremely professional manner and is a credit to Friarylaw. One of the great things about the Friarylaw team is the support they offer to alumni of the course in their search for positions as Attorneys in New York. I found this assistance to be particularly useful in my job search and have no doubt that the task would have been a great deal more difficult without their continued support. I could not recommend the NY Bar programme more highly.

Eoin Mahood-Gallagher – NYB Class ‘04           

LL.B (Portobello), LLM(UL), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

My degree is from Portobello, I did an LLM in European and Comparative Law in UL. I decided to sit the New York Bar because I felt that with my LLM in European and Comparative law from UL and a basic Irish Law degree I was enhancing my options in an expanding global market place. Having an Irish legal qualification and the New York bar as well as a strong understanding of European Law is a strong selling point for a person seeking employment in Ireland, the European Union and the United States. The BAR/BRI course run by Friarylaw allowed me to work and study at the same time and further it gave me the grounding in both federal and state law that was required to be successful in the Bar exam.

Sean Bowers – NYB Class ’05            

LL.B (QUB), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

I graduated in Law from Queen’s University of Belfast in July 2005. It is no exaggeration when I state that deciding to sit the New York Bar Exam in February 2006 has been the best career orientated decision I have ever made. Facing the prospect of sitting the Northern Ireland Institute of Professional Legal Studies exam for the third time (with approximately 900 applicants and only 120 places up for grabs) I seized the opportunity to climb out of the stagnant black hole most of us in the UK and Ireland find ourselves in when attempting to begin our legal careers. The New York Bar Programme has improved my career prospects incredibly, I am privileged to be part of the FriaryLaw Alumni and have made some great friends. I have already taken advantage of the post exam care Friarylaw offer and will continue to seek their advice on the opportunities that have now opened up for me.

Shane Kelly – NYB Class ’04                 

LL.B (QUB), Solicitor, Attorney-at-Law (NY)              

Public Defender’s Office, Nassau County, Long Island NY

I first saw the poster advertising the course in 1999 in my first year of University. It was at the back of my mind since then and once I saw another poster when studying in the Institute in Belfast in 2003 I decided to investigate. Once I spoke with Friarylaw over the telephone my mind was made up. The course itself is challenging and involves commitment and personal motivation. The people with whom I studied and who ran the course were all great and I am still in touch with most of them today. Four of my class are actually resident and working in New York with me. The support system provided by Friarylaw both pre and post exam is great and there is always someone on hand at every lecture to answer questions and after the course to career discuss options. I now live in Queens, NY and work as counsel in Public Defender’s Office in Nassau County, Long Island after coming out to look for a job. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to sit the exam and work in New York.

Thomas Mac Manus – NYB Class ’02               

BA (UL), LLM (UW), Solicitor, Attorney-at-Law (NY)           

Ph.D candidate at King’s College London’s School of Law

Since completing the NY Bar all kinds of interesting opportunities have presented themselves.  Being a fully qualified NY Attorney has assisted me in securing a placement working on Death Row in Trinidad & Tobago and was integral in securing my present position in a large international law firm in the City (of London).

Lara Aherne– NYB Class ‘04                            

BCL(UCC), DALF, BL, Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Attorney, Bonn Schmitt Steichen, Luxemburg

I sat the MBE in February 2005 and the MPRE in July 2005. In summer 2005, I was offered a job working with a Luxembourg law firm in the areas of funds, securities and private equity. I have moved a little away from funds and now concentrate on securities, capital markets and private equity. The work is tough but very rewarding; you are given as much responsibility as you have shown yourself to be able to manage. While always supervised and supported by the team here, I have been made responsible for some sections of projects and represent the firm at meetings with the relevant clients. While I was already qualified at the Irish Bar, the exposure to US law is looked on very favourably by European firms. Many of the clients are either American or US owned and will instantly recognise and find comfort in the NYB qualification. Within the firm, this additional qualification has opened doors (and files) for me. I have been able to travel back to NY both for client meetings and to attend the NYU ISIP job fair…as an interviewer. The Bar/Bri program run by Friarylaw is intense and requires whole-hearted commitment, but the results obtainable for five months of diligence are most definitely worth the effort. The NYB exam is different to any other exam that I had sat until then and I don’t believe that I would have picked up the skills needed if I had not done the specific course offered by Friarylaw. The structuring and timing of the course was the key that prevented me from becoming overwhelmed and allowed me to pass first time around.

David Mannion – NYB Class ’05                  

BCL(UCD), Attorney-at-Law (NY)                      

Attorney, Rosenberg Calica & Birney LLP, Garden City, NY

I passed the New York bar in February 2006 under the watchful eye of the Friarylaw course coordinators. The course is excellently run and is tailored to suit the needs of those who cannot commit to full-time study. It allows for maximum results with a minimum of effort on the part of the student. The benefit of enrolling in the course does not however cease on completion of the bar. Indeed the full armoury of the Friarylaw machine is not mobilised until after candidates have been successful at the bar exam. Graduates of the program have at their disposal a wealth of resources from contacts in New York to assistance in ‘americanising’ your curriculum vitae and applying for a visa. An investment in the Friarylaw Program represents not just an investment in a course of study but an investment in a career. I would unflinchingly recommend the program to all interested.

Barbara McCormick  – NYB Class ’99              

LL.B (Dub.), Attorney-at-Law (NY)          

Partner, McCormick & Dooley PLLC, Long Island City, NY

It has enriched my life. My career was at a standstill and I needed a change. Now I’m an attorney in Manhattan and absolutely loving it. Passing the New York Bar Exam opens so many doors. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Paul Collins – NYB Class ‘06                       

LL.B (QUB), Attorney-at-Law (NY)          

Associate at Eversheds Lupicinio, Madrid

I am now an associate in the Corporate Department of Eversheds Lupicinio in Madrid.  Finding employment in Spain was always my first choice so I am absolutely delighted with it.  I know that when I went for the interview in July, they were extremely impressed that as well as being Irish qualified, I also had the New York Bar to my name.  Allow me to thank both Dee and Oliver for all their help and guidance since I signed up for the Friarylaw Programme.  It has been hugely appreciated.

David McDonnell – NYB Class ‘05             

LL.B(Dub.), LLM (Georgetown), Attorney-at-Law (NY)

Researcher, International Monetary Fund, Washington D.C

After meeting with Oliver in my final year of university, my mind was made up to take the New York Bar course after graduation. It seemed like an exciting route to qualifying as an international lawyer. The course itself was exceptionally well-run. Every fine detail was addressed; leaving candidates confident and very well prepared by the time the exam came around. The mock exams were particularly helpful. The team of Friarylaw mentors was on hand each and every weekend to answer all of the inevitable queries and worries that candidates had. Passing the New York Bar Exam requires an intense amount of self-discipline and hard work but the rewards on offer more than make up for the few short months of sacrifice. With the help and guidance of the Friarylaw team, I applied for admission to LL.M. programmes around the United States. I was very fortunate to receive several offers and I am currently studying at Georgetown University. To live in Washington, D.C. and study the law during such an historic year in the nation’s history is already proving to be an unforgettable experience. Further, out of almost 200 students in my class, I am the only one to have already passed the New York Bar and this has given me a great advantage, both in terms of adapting more readily to the U.S. legal system and also in preliminary career enquiries. For those seeking to gain a superb international legal qualification, I recommend the Friarylaw programme without hesitation.

Joanne McGilloway – NYB Class ’06             

BCL (Ulster), LLM (Cornell), Attorney-at-Law (NY)           

Dorsey & Whitney LLP, London

I wanted to thank you for providing me with an excellent moral character reference. I am happy to say that I was admitted as an attorney and counselor-at-law in New York last month. I have also secured a position with the U.S. law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP in London. I am positive that my New York qualification was a major contributing factor in helping me land the job! Again, many thanks for all your help and support during the Bar/Bri programme. I hope you’re keeping well.

Matthew Barter – NYB Class ’03                    

LL.B (TCD), LLM (Georgetown), Attorney-at-Law (NY) 

 Attorney, Jones Day LLP, Manhattan, NY

After passing the bar exam I started an LLM at Georgetown (International Law). I was really pleased with my decision to undertake this masters as it was a great experience – I met many interesting people from various legal backgrounds and I was really able to specialise my own legal interests. I am now working in New York at Jones Day in the litigation department and very much enjoying it. The job is demanding, but I am learning a great deal and I truly believe that New York is the greatest place to start a career. Having already passed the NYB exam was an invaluable help to me while job hunting last year as most other LL.Ms were not qualified in the US.

John Curry – NYB Class ’03                     

BCL (UCD), LLM (Duke), Attorney-at-Law (NY & NC)     

Associate Attorney, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, North Carolina

After three years at UCD doing a BCL, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Meeting with Oliver, showed me all of the available global opportunities outside of the orthodoxy of a traditional Irish legal career path. I found the course to be both enjoyable and stimulating. Friarylaw’s bar review course was a challenging experience but worth the effort. The support system surrounding the course, from career advice, study aids and meeting with past alumni of the course, was outstanding. Pursuant to passing the New York bar, I gained admission to the LLM programme in Duke University which at current rankings is one of the top ten law schools in the United States. I have also been accepted as an associate in one of the top US law firms.

David Casserly – NYB Class ’03                         

BCL, DipArb (UCD) DipLFr, DipConstruct Law, BL, Attorney-at-Law (NY), FCIArb, Acc. Med                 

I did the course because it provided me with a legal passport and opened international doors which I didn’t feel were available elsewhere in Ireland. The Friarylaw programme is very well run and being able to tap into the years of experience in passing Irish Graduates aswell as advising on taking the next step were invaluable resources. For a relatively short period of time and effort the resultant legal career opportunities were extraordinary. Passing the New York bar enabled me to gain a position in a top five multinational US law firm in Paris, which has been an excellent experience and then as an associate with TAS.

Conor Byrne – NYB Class ’02                          

LL.B (Dub.), Attorney-at-Law (NY)                    

Associate, Baker Botts LLP, London

Having graduated with an LLB from Trinity College Dublin in 2001, I enrolled with Friarylaw to prepare for the New York Bar exam which I passed first time in Feb 2002. The Friarylaw programme was outstanding; particularly with regard to its unique focus on the examination. In addition to this I found the advice, tips and lectures from former successful candidates to be extremely useful. I would highly recommend the Friarylaw New York Bar Programme.

Tracey Kiernan – NYB Class ‘07          

BCL (NUIG), LLM (Edin.), Attorney at Law (NY)   

Attorney, Murray Richmond LLP, Bronx, NY

I have always wanted to practice law in New York and having seen advertisements in various newspapers for the Friarylaw programme, I set up a meeting with the Director of Friarylaw. After an inspiring discussion, I decided that this was the best way, for me, to start my legal career. I had just completed my Masters and even though the amount of study and dedication for the New York Bar Exam was quite daunting, it seemed to be, and was, a worthwhile and exciting experience. I can’t say enough about how integral the course and the support of those at Friarylaw were for my passing the New York Bar Exam first time. Not only were the lectures and homework each week a way of keeping me focused, but the encouragement and counselling of those at Friarylaw was invaluable for keeping me on track and motivated in reaching my final goal of passing the Bar. I would not have been able to do it without them. Being a foreign educated lawyer in New York will be challenging, but having my NY licence will definitely expand my job prospects. As I embark on this route to legal practice in the States the opportunities open to me are endless.

Bo McDowell – NYB  Class October ’03                    

LL.B (Lond.), LLM (Dub.), Solicitor, Attorney-at-Law (NY)     

Bo McDowell & Associates Solicitors, Dublin

I sat the New York Bar examinations and passed at my first attempt in February 2004.  I was called to the Bar, as an attorney-at-law of the New York State, in April 2005.  I was called to the Roll of Solicitors and became a fully qualified Irish Solicitor. Currently I am operating my own practice that offers a broad range of services, encompassing most areas of the law.  The New York Bar has proven to be a fundamental stepping stone in the realisation of my practice and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to prospective lawyers.  Indeed the preparation course I attended was highly beneficial also and proved to be a firm guidance to success. Perhaps the most effective and constructive element of the Friarylaw course in my opinion was the mock examinations provided by the programme.  Undoubtedly these were indispensible in getting me through the exam on the day. The reality of the American bar examinations is that they are quite gruelling and will test ones stamina as well as knowledge.  In this respect the Friarylaw course provides a structured foundation in preparation for the real thing.  Ultimately I would describe it as an effective conduit to the bigger picture.  Finally I would advise any prospective New York Bar exam applicant to prepare himself/herself not only in the exam papers themselves but also physically for the demanding exams that take place over the two day period.

Natalie O’Sullivan-Gallagher – NYB Class ‘06           

BCL (UCD), LLM (Lond.), Attorney-at-Law (NY)           

Associate, Bonn Schmitt Steichen, Luxemburg

“I sat the New York Bar in July 2006. Having completed my BCL (with French Law) in University College Dublin, and my Masters (LL.M) in Public International Law, at the London School of Economics and Political Science, I decided that I’d had enough of studying. The prospect of facing into another couple of years at Blackhall or the Inns wasn’t particularly appealing, so with the vague idea that I wanted to qualify quickly and work abroad, I enrolled in the Friarylaw course. I feel I should state for the record that the New York Bar exam is not for the fainthearted, but with the Bar/Bri lectures coupled with the unrelenting support and pep-talks of the Friarylaw team, you’re in the best possible position for passing the Bar. With the New York Bar under my belt, the Friarylaw team, gave me a huge amount of help with my C.V., and planning the next step in my career. It’s also fairly safe to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Friarylaw, as I am currently working in Luxembourg for Bonn Schmitt Steichen, recently named Luxembourg Firm of the Year, doing corporate and banking work on international cases, for international clients – a job I heard about through Friarylaw and a fellow Friary New York Bar alumni! To those interested in sitting (and passing) the New York Bar Exam, I would without hesitation recommend Friarylaw.”

Mark Adair – NYB Class ‘06                       

LL.B (Cantab.) BL, Attorney-at-Law (NY) 

Minter Ellison Lawyers, Sydney, Australia

“After graduating from University and qualifying as an English Barrister I wanted to expand my horizons. I was aware of the New York Bar study programme that was offered by Friarylaw in Ireland and knew that in the competitive modern legal world it is an advantage for lawyers to become dual qualified. In my case, I knew that I didn’t want to stay in England so I decided to study for the New York Bar in Belfast with Friarylaw. Friarylaw were clear that passing the exam would not only let me work in New York but could be a passport for career opportunities internationally. The initial interview with Oliver left me in no doubt of the commitment that would be needed for the course. In fact it turned out to be the most intensive study period of my life. Friarylaw though helped me immensely every step of the way from both the academic and logistical perspective. Passing the New York Bar Exam has opened the doors of international law firms for me. When applying for jobs in with big law firms in Australia , it was a qualification that stood out on my CV and set me apart from the hundreds of other candidates applying for the jobs in the legal profession. I would highly recommend studying for the New York Bar Exam with Friarylaw – it really is the opportunity of a lifetime and you won’t receive better support from anyone.”