News

Several recent news items relevant for in-house solicitors are listed below.

• The general scheme of the Employment Permits (Consolidation and Amendment) Bill 2019, which aims to modernise the current permit system, has been published. Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphries said that the new legislation will cater for a more agile response to the labour market. See Work Permit story on Gazette.ie
• A briefing recently published by the In-House Lawyer magazine examines the complex interaction between blockchain and the GDPR. The article is an abridged version of a paper, ‘March of the blocks: GDPR and the blockchain’, published jointly by Slaughter and May and Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP. Read the In-House Lawyer magazine
• Charities Regulator CEO Helen Martin spoke to the Gazette about driving transparency and building trust in the Irish non-profit sector. Read the Helen Martin Interview
• New rules have been agreed by member states to simplify VAT for SMEs, and make relevant data on online purchases available to anti-fraud authorities. See details on the European Commission website
• The latest Gazette includes a feature on the potential issues where in-house lawyers also assume the role of Data Protection Officer (DPO). Tanya Moeller, an associate solicitor at LK Shields Solicitors, cautions on the risks of wearing 'too many hats'. Read the November 2019 Gazette

Resources

Find some useful resources for in-house solicitors here.

• All Law Society members can review and update their Law Directory Entry for 2020. If you need to change employment or contact details, please edit your profile online. View your Law Directory profile
• As the Practising Certificate (PC) renewal period nears, 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

For comprehensive information on member benefits, 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.

• Bookings open for the Spring 2020 Certificate in Company Secretarial Law & Practice. Jointly awarded by the Law Society of Ireland and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators (ICSA: The Governance Institute), this certificate offers a practical insight into company secretarial requirements in Ireland. See Company Secretarial Law & Practice
• The In-House and Public Sector Committee and Law Society Finuas Skillnet will present a special panel discussion this December in Galway. The discussion will address the challenges for in-house solicitors in trying to recognise, achieve and demonstrate value for money in legal services. Book for In-house Panel

Social Media

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

• In-House LinkedIn Group

About 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.