Almost 60 solicitors from across Donegal attended the North-West General Practice Update 2021 earlier this month.
The event was the third in a series of online events taking place this year to support local solicitors to upskill while working remotely.
Organised by Law Society Finuas Skillnet, in association with the Donegal and Inishowen Bar Associations, the conference provided an opportunity for Donegal solicitors to stay up to date in areas of law relevant to their daily work, including probate and litigation.
“The North-West General Practice Update is the perfect opportunity for Donegal solicitors to meet virtually, upskill in essential areas of law, and discuss the day-to-day issues faced in practice,” said solicitor Geraldine Conaghan (MacBride Conaghan Solicitors, Donegal), who is President of the Inishowen Bar Association.
‘Huge impact’
“On 24 April 2021, new personal-injury guidelines were introduced. Litigation experts addressed the conference to discuss what these guidelines will mean in practical terms for Donegal solicitors and their clients,” explained Ms Conaghan.
“These new guidelines will see cuts of up to 50% in the awards given for most types of minor and medium-range injuries, and will have a huge impact on personal-injury cases going forward,” she added.
Emerging issues
Expert speakers also addressed the conference to discuss emerging issues in probate, and changes in practice.
Ms Conaghan said that the impact of COVID-19 had made people reassess their lives, and had forced them to think about what was really important to them.
“Whether it be moving out of the big cities and back home to Donegal, setting up a business or starting a family, we must ensure that we plan ahead for our new priorities in a smart way by making a will,” she said.
“It is important to have a will that is up to date and reflects your current circumstances and wishes,” she added.
“Although it can be a sensitive subject, making a will, and keeping it up to date, can help save heartache down the line.”
More information on the event is available on the Law Society’s website.