Professionalism in the legal profession - can you teach it? A phenomenographic study of Irish legal education stakeholders' perceptions

This paper explores the teaching of legal professionalism in Ireland using interview data from the principal stakeholders in the legal profession education system including students (the trainee solicitors). The data was analysed phenomenographically in order to determine the extent to which there was variation in perceptions among these stakeholders as to what professionalism means and how best to teach or instil the notion. The findings indicate diverse perceptions among stakeholders that reflect a lack of shared understanding of professionalism and how to teach or instil professionalism. The study critically discusses the findings in light of relevant literature and concludes that a coordinated approach to understanding and fostering professionalism will help bridge this gap in perceptions and raise professional standards.