On Thursday 20 May, solicitors from Carlow, Kildare, Laois and the Midlands attended the Midlands General Practice Update 2021, the second 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 Carlow, Laois, Kildare and Midland Bar Associations, the conference provided an opportunity for local solicitors to stay up-to-date in areas of law relevant to their daily work including family law, probate, litigation and remote hearings.

Solicitor James McElwee of McElwee Solicitors, Portlaoise, is President of the Laois Solicitors’ Association and chaired the online event. He said, “The Midlands General Practice Update is part of a series hosted by the Law Society each year. Last week’s event provided the perfect opportunity for solicitors across the midlands to meet virtually, upskill in essential areas of law and discuss the day-to-day issues faced in practice, all from the convenience of our community-based offices.”

“Family law, litigation, probate and new bank charges were just some of the key issues addressed at the conference. Speakers also focused on how the modern solicitor can continue to meet their clients’ needs in a virtual arena,” said Mr McElwee.

Personal injury guidelines

“On 24 April, new personal injury guidelines were introduced. Expert litigation speakers discussed what the new personal injury guidelines will mean in practical terms for solicitors and their clients, who may be victims of personal injury,” explained Mr McElwee.

“These new guidelines will see cuts of up to 50 per cent 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,” he added.

Bank charges

The Midlands General Practice Update also addressed the issue on new bank charges, which will affect solicitors’ clients directly.

“In February 2021, the Law Society and local bar associations across the country campaigned against the introduction of negative interest rates and sought an exemption for solicitor client accounts to this charge,” said Mr McElwee.

“The Law Society is once again supporting its members on this issue and is now advising how they should add this charge to clients’ money held in their solicitor client accounts. This conference ensured that local solicitors are up-to-date on this issue and provided practical advice on how to implement it correctly and stay compliant,” he said.

Further information

“Over the last 12 months, solicitors have adapted to remote working and shown exceptional resilience to continue to deliver expert legal services to our valued clients in our local communities. If you need legal advice, whether for your business, family or another personal issue, talk to your local solicitor,” he said.

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