The annual North East CPD 2020, attended by 98 solicitors from Monaghan, Cavan and Louth, took place online for the first time in the event’s history earlier this month.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in association with Monaghan, Cavan, Drogheda and Louth Solicitors’ Bar Associations, the conference provided an opportunity for local solicitors to stay up-to-date in areas such as family law and mediation.

The event’s discussion also focused on litigating through a pandemic, how technology can be used to a firm’s advantage and tips on how to go paperless for an environmentally conscious practice.

Working through a pandemic

Solicitor Kevin Hickey of Hickey, Henderson & Co in Clones, who is president of the Monaghan Bar Association, said the North East CPD 2020 was an opportunity for solicitors to check in with each other and reflect on the highs and lows of recent months.

“Every year, the Law Society hosts a series of events across the country to discuss practice updates and important sector changes with local solicitors,” explained Mr Hickey.

“The North East CPD 2020 was the first in this series of events to take place.”

“Despite government restrictions, the conference took place successfully online,” he said. “The event was an opportunity for solicitors in the Monaghan, Cavan and Louth regions to update their knowledge, reflect and share their experiences and observations of working during a pandemic.”

Advantages of technology

The conference examined how solicitors in the area could use technology to their advantage to help support their office operations, case management and client care.

“Technology can help improve accuracy and efficiency within a solicitor’s workplace, which in turn will help save time and money,” Mr Hickey said.

“As COVID-19 develops and the country, particularly border counties, prepares for different levels of restrictions, we should remember that solicitors are essential services and remain open for business,” he said.

More information on the conference, including full line-up of topics and speakers, is available on the Law Society website.