Almost 90 Dublin solicitors attended the Practice and Regulation Symposium this week (1 December).

This conference was the tenth, and final, in a series of specialised training events this year, designed to support local solicitors in communities throughout Ireland to upskill.

This conference was organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet, in association with the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association (DSBA).

DSBA President Diego Gallagher attended the online conference and said: “The Practice and Regulation Symposium is a key event for Dublin-based solicitors to upskill in areas of the law relevant to practice – including regulation, cybercrime and technology.

“This conference also provides an opportunity to meet colleagues, albeit online for now, and discuss challenges faced in our daily work.”

Technological advances

“The way solicitors conduct business day-to-day has been totally transformed during the pandemic, as is the case for many other businesses.

“Remote hearings, online client interactions and e-filing are just some of the ways that new technology is changing the way solicitors work on behalf of their clients.

“We expect the digitalisation of legal services trend to continue,” he said.

“Despite this shift in how we do business, our unwavering commitment to clients is unchanged. Solicitors provide trusted advice on a wide range of issues and it is imperative that we continue to provide the highest standard of legal services for clients in this new digital era.”

Cybersecurity

“With all the positive opportunities brought about by the use of new technologies, firms must be mindful of the risk of cyber-crime. Earlier this year, we saw that no organisation or business is immune to a cyber-attack.

“We must prepare against cyber-crime and run our practices efficiently to ensure we can be there for our clients when they need us most. The need for access to justice does not cease, even in times of adversity,” Gallagher explained.

“Solicitor practices have already invested in and upgraded IT systems throughout the pandemic. Whether working remotely, adopting a hybrid approach, or preparing to physically reopen when restrictions allow, it will be vital for firms to continue to invest in appropriate cyber-security processes and systems.

“This includes dedicated staff training to understand best practice, and how to identify potential threats to protect your firm against cyber-crime.”

Talk to your solicitor

“Whether it is for advice on business issues, litigation, conveyancing, or family matters, your local solicitor is in your corner. Thanks to the Practice and Regulation Symposium, solicitors in Dublin are up-to-date on key practice issues and are here to support our clients when they need us,” Mr Gallagher said.

“If you need advice you can trust, talk to your local solicitor.”