The Law Society of Ireland in association with Law Society Finuas Skillnet has developed LegalED Talks, a suite of practical online sessions to support solicitors running their practices and unlocking their wellbeing during Covid-19.

Included in the impressive range of contributors are Mr Justice Donald Binchy of the Court of Appeal and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Noeline Blackwell.

President of the Law Society Michele O’Boyle said, “The Law Society is committed to finding innovative ways to support our members. The LegalED Talks sessions are practical and aim to provide members with essential information through this unprecedented period.”

“In total, 21 LegalED Talks sessions, which include 15 hours free continuous professional development (CPD), have been delivered by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet since April. Over 6,000 solicitors have accessed them to date,” she said.

LegalED Talks and Shrink Me Online

The LegalED Talks deliver short online sessions on topics that have been impacted by Covid-19, including changes to tax, family law, litigation, data protection, and employee relations.

LegalED Talks also incorporates Shrink Me Online, which comprises two elements - Unlocking Wellbeing Together and LegalLives. These courses have been designed by the Psychological Services of the Law Society in collaboration with Law Society Finuas Skillnet and Skillnet Ireland.

“Unlocking Wellbeing Together offers practical and useful insights to assist solicitors addressing the new reality of living, working and, in some circumstances, parenting from home,” explained Ms O’Boyle.

“These sessions are delivered by wellbeing and mental health professionals and include a discussion on parenting during a pandemic, domestic violence, the limitations of a legal response, and much, much more.”

The LegalLives series also provides unique access to well-known individuals within the international and Irish legal communities.

“Irish Times columnist, Fintan O’Toole; CEO of The Currency, Tom Lyons; Acting CEO at Saoirse Women's Refuge, Ellen O’Malley Dunlop; and retired Court of Appeal Judge, Michael Peart, are just some of the notable contributors discussing the opportunities and challenges posed to lawyers during this crisis,” explained Ms O’Boyle

“The LegalED Talks are a valuable resource and provide impactful insights into how to pro-actively navigate the Covid-19 challenge, both professional and personally,” she said.

Access the courses

The full suite of LegalED Talks sessions can be accessed through the LegalED Talks Learning Management Hub. The courses are available until 30 September 2020 and are free to members of the Law Society. They can also be accessed by non-members and non-solicitors. For more information, see: LegalED Talks

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