The Defamation (Amendment) Act was signed into law on 19 February 2026 – though not all of it has been commenced. Former in-house solicitor Michael Kealey outlines what the new legislation means for free speech.
The Law Society’s Finance Committee ensures fiscal discipline across an increasingly complex organisation. It balances prudent expenditure with strategic investment – all while modernising the Law Society’s governance structures to meet the profession’s evolving needs. Mary Hallissey reports for the Gazette.
Law Society Director General Mark Garrett delivers a blunt verdict on the Government’s proposed reforms of criminal legal aid. He describes them as a cost-cutting exercise that hollows out the rule of law from within.
Get knowledge and go-to
The ‘Future Ready Lawyer’ events in April and May give you the chance to learn from experienced speakers, ask the experts and engage with in-house colleagues. It’s also an opportunity to top up CPD (two hours professional development and solicitor wellbeing, by group study).
Speakers and panellists at this in-house and Public Sector Committee panel discussion include John Jeffcock (Winmark), Electra Japonas (SimpleDocs), Broc Cocoman (Anthropic), Claire Madden (Energia Group), Róisín Magee (Office of the Attorney General) and Ciara O’Donovan (NTMA).
‘The Future Ready Lawyer’ takes place in the Law Society on Wednesday 29 April, from 2pm to 4pm.
Law Society Skillnet also offer a similar event in Cork with the Southern Lawyers Association. In addition to John Jeffcock, Claire Madden, Róisín Magee and Ciara O’Donovan, we will be joined by Seán Groeger (BNP Paribas) and Clare Daly (Tusla).
The Future Ready Lawyer takes place in Cork on Wednesday, 27 May, from 2pm to 4pm in the Kingsley Hotel.
Manage your client’s risk
This interactive seminar on 4 June aims to frame solicitors’ understanding of the relationship between the legal environment and the business (or other) environment in which clients make risk decisions. Visiting presenter Walter Bardenwerper (USA), brings a wealth of international experience and practical insight from his role as former General Counsel at Towers Watson & Co.
Is it time to get a Professional Doctorate in Law?
Boost your career, skills and specialised knowledge through a doctorate in law. This 3.5-year programme, in partnership with the Northumbria Law School, is designed specifically for qualified solicitors. It is part-time, with both taught and research phases to provide a structured and supportive learning experience. Application closing date is 25 June 2026, course starts 1 September.
Date for your diary: In-house Annual Conference
The In-house and Public Sector Committee Annual Conference is at the Law Society on 7 October, from 9.30am to 1.15pm. Further details to follow.
Challenge for charity - Calcutta Run
The annual legal fundraiser is in Dublin on Saturday, 23 May to support homelessness services in Ireland and Kolkata. Last year the profession raised €325,000. Registration is now open to run or walk a distance of 6km or 10km.
For details of additional events, including runs in Cork and Galway, see Calcutta Run.
Solicitor Services
For any general queries relating to Law Society services or events, please contact solicitorservices@lawsociety.ie.
Stay LinkedIn
There are over 760 in-house colleagues across different organisations using a private LinkedIn group you can connect and network with. Be part of it.
About the In-House and Public Sector Committee
The In-House and Public Sector Committee aims to represent the views and promote the interests of this segment of the profession. It helps to support the Law Society in the exercise of its representative, educational and regulatory roles as they relate to in-house solicitors in the private and public sectors.