Start Date : Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 6:00 PM
Assessment : Three hour closed book exam, July 2026. Date to be confirmed.
Delivery Method : Online lectures Wednesday 6pm to 8.30pm and occasional interactive Saturday workshops. Lectures available to view on-demand.
CPD: The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to this course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. For further information and the booklet, see CPD scheme.
Course Leader : Suzanne Crilly, Solicitor, Course Leader: s.crilly@lawsociety.ie
Price : €2700.00
Application information
The closing date for applications for this course is 25 February 2026. To apply, please follow the instructions below.
Solicitors and Trainees
To pay online, click on the 'Book Now' button.
Other Professionals
We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified professionals. This application will need to be approved before you can book online. Please note, for non-members this course is subject to a supplemental fee of €350, bringing the total course fee to €3,050. No fees are required prior to approval. To apply, please email the following documents to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie:
- Completed application form (see below)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Short cover letter setting out your relevant experience
Download
- Application form (word)
- Application form (pdf)
- Timetable
- Faculty booklet (to follow)
Further information on this course including course structure, module scheme, faculty and workshop dates are set out below. Clicking on the links will bring you directly to that section or simply scroll through to read all the content.
If you are interested in applying for a future offering of the course please register for our Interested List .
Programme structure and approach to learning
This Diploma aims to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the law in relation to this changing sector, which has seen numerous changes since the introduction of The Companies Act 2014 and the recent commencement of The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021.
The course focuses on key events that occur throughout the lifetime of a corporate entity—those that solicitors commonly advise on—as well as the practical aspects of corporate governance. An innovative boardroom simulation workshop offers students an interactive opportunity to experience boardroom meetings and develop an understanding of effective board behaviour.
Programme objectives
On completion of this training programme, participants will have:
- A comprehensive understanding of corporate law & governance;
- Up-to-date knowledge of recent judicial decisions and legislative and procedural developments;
- An insight into the importance of the necessary skills and negotiating tactics used in a boardroom environment;
- An ability to analyse the essential transactional documentation in practice;
- Developed their capacity for independent learning.
Modules
Module 1: Introduction to corporate law and governance in Ireland
- Overview of the Companies Act 2014,
- Company life-cycle,
- Funding a start-up,
- Advising shareholders.
Module 2: Corporate governance
- Share capital and company status management,
- Corporate governance of regulated entities,
- Transactions involving directors,
- Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
Module 3: Corporate transactions and ancillary matters
- Tax issues,
- Financing a transaction,
- Sectoral regulation,
- Share options.
Module 4: Mergers and acquisitions
- Share purchase agreements,
- Asset purchase agreements,
- Acting for the investor.
Module 5: Insolvency and corporate restructuring
- Insolvency and restructuring,
- Advising during receivership process,
- Winding-up process,
- Formal and informal restructuring,
- Boardroom simulation workshop.
Who should attend?
This course is suitable for the following:
- Solicitors, barristers, and trainees who work in the area of corporate law and governance,
- Company directors seeking to broaden their understanding of the corporate law,
- Legal executives and those involved in improving their knowledge of company law and documentation,
- Other suitable professionals who are interested in the area of corporate law and governance.
We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified non-members. Please explain your interest and set out any relevant experience in a cover letter and a brief CV. Such applications are subject to a supplemental fee, which amounts to €350 in respect of a diploma application.
