News

• Online customer reviews can make or break a business and, when contentious, can raise claims of fraud, defamation or intentional infliction of emotional suffering. Michael O’Doherty examines the issues in the latest Gazette. Read more about online customer reviews
• Following a consultation process, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published a document setting out its proposed matrix for service delivery to progress alternative approaches for adjudication complaint processing over the forthcoming period. View the document on the WRC website
• A recent survey by Wolters Kluwer and the European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA) found that legal departments expect more than 40% of their work to involve legal technology in the next five years. However, even though 67% of legal departments are working with digital strategies, only 33% of those strategies have an established budget. See more information on the ECLA website
• Director of the SFO v Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation Ltd raised important issues as to when privilege could be claimed regarding an internal investigation within a criminal context. An article in the latest Gazette explains the background and outcome of the case. View the May Gazette article

Resources

• Law Society premises (including Blackhall Place, the Education Centre, George’s Court and Four Courts) will remain temporarily closed to all staff and visitors, pending Government advice. Further updates will be published, as available, to the Law Society website.
• The President of the Law Society, Michele O'Boyle, is issuing regular President's Bulletins to keep members up-to-date on practice issues and the Society's engagement with Government. If you are not receiving Bulletins, you can subscribe or update your details using the links at the top of any Bulletin, available on the eNewsletters page. View President's Bulletins
• A new and interactive Member Services Directory is now online, providing up-to-date information for solicitors on the benefits that they enjoy with their Law Society membership. Visit the online Member Services Directory website
• The Support Services section of the Law Society has prepared a range of briefings and webinars on State supports and options for solicitors or companies during Covid-19. See information on State support schemes

Training information

• The In-house and Public Sector Committee and Law Society Finuas Skillnet are pleased to host an online suite of brief presentations from four in-house panellists on enhancing the effectiveness of the in-house legal team in the current climate. Presentations are informed by questions raised by the Committee and will address the remote management of teams. This will be released as part of the LegalEDTalks portfolio of free online CPD on 2 June 2020. Access LegalEDTalks
• The Diploma Centre is offering discounts on its 2020 Diploma and Certificate course fees for solicitors impacted by Covid-19. A 35% discount is available for unemployed solicitors, with a 25% discount available for solicitors who are working short-time/reduced hours. View Diploma Centre courses

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.

The Committee offers guidance to in-house solicitors in response to individual queries.  Log in to find out about the In-House and Public Sector Committee.