The Law Society says more than 6,000 solicitors have accessed a series of online sessions developed to support the profession during COVID-19.

LegalED Talks was developed by the Society in association with Law Society Finuas Skillnet. Among the impressive range of contributors are Mr Justice Donald Binchy of the Court of Appeal and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Noeline Blackwell.

“The Law Society is committed to finding innovative ways to support our members,” said Law Society president Michele O’Boyle (pictured). “The LegalED Talks sessions are practical and aim to provide members with essential information through this unprecedented period.”

Shrink Me Online

21 LegalED Talks sessions, which include 15 hours free continuous professional development (CPD), have been delivered since April.

The short online sessions cover topics related to COVID-19, such as changes to tax, family law, litigation, data protection, and employee relations.

LegalED Talks also incorporates Shrink Me Online, which comprises two elements - Unlocking Wellbeing Together and LegalLives. These courses have been designed by the Psychological Services of the Law Society in collaboration with Law Society Finuas Skillnet and Skillnet Ireland.

“Unlocking Wellbeing Together offers practical and useful insights to assist solicitors addressing the new reality of living, working and, in some circumstances, parenting from home,” explained Ms O’Boyle.

“These sessions are delivered by wellbeing and mental health professionals and include a discussion on parenting during a pandemic, domestic violence, the limitations of a legal response, and much, much more.”

Free

The LegalLives series also provides unique access to well-known individuals within the international and Irish legal communities.

“Irish Times columnist, Fintan O’Toole; CEO of The Currency Tom, Lyons; Acting CEO at Saoirse Women's Refuge, Ellen O’Malley Dunlop; and retired Court of Appeal judge Michael Peart, are just some of the notable contributors discussing the opportunities and challenges posed to lawyers during this crisis,” explained Ms O’Boyle.

The full suite of LegalED Talks sessions can be accessed through the LegalED Talks Learning Management Hub. The courses are available until 30 September and are free to members of the Law Society. They can also be accessed by non-members and non-solicitors.