Sorcha gives us insight into her career as Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade I in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government.
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
The overarching role of a Parliamentary Counsel is the provision of high-quality, consistent and accessible legislation for Government Departments and ultimately wider Irish society as a whole. In my role, alongside my colleagues, I draft Government Bills, amendments, Statutory Instruments and, on occasion, Constitutional amendments. The role demands a high standard of accuracy and clarity. My work focuses on ensuring legislation is legally sound, clear and properly reflective of Government policy. I also collaborate closely with Advisory Counsel in the development of legislation, helping to ensure compliance with constitutional and European Union requirements throughout the drafting process.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
As a practising Barrister, I was already familiar with legislation and the role it plays in shaping the law. I was drawn to the position because it combines legal analysis with the intellectual challenge of drafting; drafting requires problem-solving, precision and the ability to translate policy into strong legislation. The opportunity to work at the forefront of the legislative process was particularly appealing. I was also attracted by the high calibre of lawyers in the Office, both barristers and solicitors, and its strong reputation for professionalism and excellence.
What do you value most about your job?
What I value most about my role is that it is intellectually stimulating and consistently challenging. Each piece of legislation presents its own complexities, and there is a genuine element of problem-solving in ensuring that the piece of legislation is as close to perfect as possible and that policy is translated into clear, precise and legally sound drafting. The work also offers continuous learning. I have had to go out of my comfort zone, from the area of Judicial Review and criminal law with which I was initially most familiar, and acquaint myself with a wide range of legal areas such as European Union law, coronial law, Immigration law, Financial Services legislation etc., which keeps the role varied and professionally rewarding.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
The Office provides a range of practical and professional supports that are invaluable in carrying out the role effectively. These include access to an extensive legal library, the assistance of Legal Researchers in the library, the assistance of the Legislative Editing Unit, and dedicated IT and PC support, all of which contribute to maintaining high standards of professionalism and efficiency in the Office. There is also a strong sense of collegiality within the Office. Colleagues are generous with their time and expertise, and there is a genuinely collaborative working environment which I very much appreciate and try to contribute to and emulate. On a personal level, as a working mother, I have found the Office to be consistently supportive. There is an understanding of the need to balance professional responsibilities with family life, and that support has been both meaningful and enabling, particularly with the availability of hybrid working.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
This role has provided significant opportunities for professional development and growth. I have benefited from a range of training programmes and specialist courses, many of which are off-site or abroad, which have allowed me to deepen and broaden my legal expertise. The work itself also offers continual learning, exposing me to areas of law that I may not previously have practised in, expanding both my knowledge and experience. One of the important parts of my role is to contribute to the training and mentoring of junior colleagues, which I have found particularly rewarding and insightful. In addition, the position offers clear promotion prospects and meaningful career progression within the Office, providing a structured pathway for long-term professional advancement, which, needless to say, is highly motivating.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
What has surprised me most is the complexity of the legislative process and the level of integration required across Government. Drafting legislation involves far more collaboration than I had initially appreciated. It requires close engagement not only within the Office but also with Government Departments and other public bodies, ensuring that policy, legal requirements and practical implementation considerations are carefully aligned and fully thought-through. The scale of coordination and the detail involved in that process have been particularly striking, as well as the depth of research required.
What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
I particularly enjoy the intellectual challenge of the work. Each drafting project presents a new set of issues to resolve, requiring careful analysis and problem-solving. The responsibility of translating policy into clear and effective legislation is both demanding and rewarding, and the variety of subject areas ensures that the role remains engaging and professionally stimulating.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
I would recommend a career in the public sector. Everyone in my family works in the private sector, so initially I didn’t know fully what to expect. However, I have been so impressed with the Irish Civil Service and its focus on integrity and the provision of excellent service to the State. I have been afforded the opportunity to work on matters of real significance and to contribute to the development of public policy and legislation. There is a strong emphasis on professionalism and integrity, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality work. In addition, there are clear opportunities for career progression and professional development, making it both a rewarding and sustainable long-term career path. From a practical point of view the support systems in place for workers; such as excellent maternity leave and pension plans are also an appealing and important factor for anyone considering a career in the public sector.
Anything else you would like to share
I would particularly acknowledge the support of colleagues and the leadership within the Office. There is a strong spirit of collegiality and mutual respect, which contributes greatly to a positive working environment. I have been fortunate to work alongside and learn from many talented and generous professionals, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
Find out more here about our Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade II competition.