News

A number of recent news items relevant for in-house solicitors are listed below.

• An article in the latest Gazette examines the limits of a lender's discretion to adjust interest rates under contract law. Dublin-based barrister Neal Flynn examines recent cases, including Millar v Financial Services Ombudsman, Attorney General v Davis, and Re: Hayes, a debtor. Read the Gazette
• The European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA) Legal Disruption event returns to Dublin from 26-27 February. This year's event brings together decision makers, corporate lawyers and legal technology enthusiasts to discuss the possibilities of modern legal departments. See details on the ECLA website
• The EU Commission has launched a public consultation on revised EU Emission Trading System State aid Guidelines. The current Guidelines, which aim to prevent ‘carbon leakage’ from companies moving production to countries with less ambitious climate policies, expire on 31 December 2020. Read more on the European Commission website
• Legal mental health and wellbeing charity LawCare has launched a new and free online resource, Fitfor Law. Developed in partnership with academics from the University of Sheffield and the Open University, the service is designed to support emotional competency and professional resilience for the legal community. Access FitForLaw
• Most in-house lawyers in Ireland believe that the gender pay gap is because of family responsibility, new research from Mason Hayes & Curran finds. See details on Gazette.ie

Resources

Find some useful resources for in-house solicitors here.

• New precedents available to purchase from the Law Society Library cover building works, farming, and private clubs. Charges apply for the supply of documents. View the  new precedents
• During the Practising Certificate (PC) renewal period, many practitioners have to make the internal business case for their employer to cover the cost of their PC. The Committee has prepared useful information to explain both the necessity, and the benefits, of holding a valid PC. See reasons to purchase a Practising Certificate if you are an in-house solicitor

Training

The Diploma Centre and Law Society Professional Training offer training to in-house solicitors in the private and public sectors.

• The IMRO and Law Society Annual Copyright Lecture will take place on 18 February 2020. This complimentary event, delivered by IMRO adjunct Professor of Intellectual Property Dr Mark Hyland, will be of relevance to anyone with an interest in the changing landscape of copyright law and practice. Book your place online
• The Diploma Centre will offer a Diploma in Compliance and Risk Management this February. With an increase in Irish and European legislation creating wider awareness of legal risks, this diploma aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of the area of compliance and an introduction to risk management. See course details

Social Media

In-house solicitors can connect and network with colleagues across organisations using a private LinkedIn group.

• Access the In-House LinkedIn Group

The In-House and Public Sector Committee

The In-House and Public Sector Committee aims to represent the views and promote the interests of this segment of the profession, while supporting the Law Society in the exercise of its representative, educational and regulatory roles as they relate to the in-house sector. Log in to find out about the In-House and Public Sector Committee.