News

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

• The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has appeared before the Supreme Court to exercise its amicus curiae function in a significant case on the rights of persons with disabilities to have reasonable accommodations made in the workplace. Read about Marie Daly v. Nano Nagle School on Gazette.ie
• Firms and legal offices can now register for the Courts Service’s e-filing pilot project. Solicitors’ firms and law offices of state bodies will be able to lodge Applications for Leave to Appeal in the Office of the Supreme Court electronically in cases where parties are legally represented. See information on the e-filing registration process
• The latest Gazette includes a feature on communication mastery by Executive coach Pádraic Ó Máille. Based on his presentation at the annual In-House and Public Sector Conference in November 2018, the article examines how different communication styles require a different approach in response. Read the March 2019 Gazette
• The latest edition of The In-House Lawyer covers new developments in trade mark law, legal technology, and discretion in share plans. Read the Winter 2019 In-House Lawyer magazine
• A recent Gazette article explores examinership as a means for resolving disputes between company shareholders. Written by Barry Lyons, the article contrasts the cost and disruption of applications under Section 212 of the Companies Act 2014 with the potential advantages of examinership, with reference to recent cases. Read 'Examiners to the Rescue'

Resources

Find some useful resources for in-house solicitors here.

• The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 imposes important obligations on employers to provide certain information to employees. The Employment & Equality Law Committee has provided guidance for practitioners on the recent legislation. Read Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 – what you need to know
• The Law & Women Mentoring Programme is inviting expressions of interest from in-house practitioners who wish to take part in the 2019 programme. The programme aims to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion by supporting female solicitors to advance their careers, whether in law firms, industry, or the public sector. Audrey O'Sullivan, General Counsel at SIRO Limited, shared her experience for potential mentors. See information on the Law & Women Mentoring Programme
• The 2019 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) will be of particular interest to in-house practitioners. This free online course, An Introduction to Arts, Entertainment and Media Law, explores the law, business practices and commercial realities for those working and contributing to the arts, entertainment and media industries. See information on the 2019 MOOC

For comprehensive information on all the benefits offered to Law Society members, download the Member Services Directory.

Training

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

• Booking has opened for the In-House and Public Sector Panel Discussion on 16 May 2019. Delivered by the In-House and Public Sector Committee in partnership with Law Society Finuas Skillnet, this event will focus on getting and demonstrating value for money in legal services. Book the 2019 In-House and Public Sector Panel Discussion
• The Diploma Centre has announced details of a new  Professional Doctorate in Law programme. Delivered in partnership with Northumbria University Law School, this part-time programme designed to provide a structured and supportive learning experience that will enhance a solicitor’s theoretical understanding of their profession and will assist in the development of practice, through critical insight and evaluation, building on academic and research skills acquired via formal subject delivery and doctoral research. See information on the Professional Doctorate in Law

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.