Over 100 solicitors from Cork and Kerry attended the annual Practitioner Update Cork & Kerry 2020 which took place online for the first time in the event’s history.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet, in association with the Southern Law Bar Association and Kerry Law Society, the 20 November conference provided an opportunity for local solicitors to stay up-to-date in areas of law relevant to them in their daily work, such as probate and advising farmer clients. 

The legal conference also focused on litigating through a pandemic and using technology in the modern solicitor’s workplace.

Working through a pandemic

Cork solicitor Juli Rea of JRAP O’Meara Solicitors and President of the Southern Law Bar Association said that the Practitioner Update Cork & Kerry was an opportunity for local solicitors to reflect on the year that has passed and to discuss how colleagues have adapted to the new way of working.

“The Practitioner Update Cork & Kerry is the fourth in a series of successful online events run by the Law Society to help solicitors across the country to stay up-to-date on areas of essential practice,” explained Ms Rea.

“Despite government restrictions, over 100 local solicitors were able to attend the annual conference online,” she said.

Advising farming clients

“Legal experts in probate, agriculture and litigation addressed this year’s conference and focused on the issues currently facing solicitors, and their clients, in Cork and Kerry,” she said.

“Many solicitors in Cork and Kerry have a large farming client base. This conference was an opportunity for us to ask questions that arise in this specific area of practice, including issues relating to farm transfers and partnerships,” explained Ms Rea. 

Open for business

The Practitioner Update Cork & Kerry also provided updates in the area of probate, including guidance to best practice and the implications of COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has put a sharp focus on the importance of forward planning and making a will,” said Ms Rea. “As we navigate COVID-19 and the unexpected life events it can bring, we should remember that solicitors are essential services and remain open for business.”

“Local solicitors in Cork and Kerry are equipped with up-to-date practice knowledge and can help you make a will today,” she said. “If you need legal advice on farming, business, litigating or another sensitive topic, talk to your local solicitor.”

For more information on the event, see:  Practitioner Update Cork & Kerry 2020.