Photographs from the recent Law Society Skillnet In-House Panel Discussion event at The Kingsley Hotel Cork
Future Ready Lawyer
A ‘Future-ready lawyer’ event in Cork in May discussed the potential benefits of AI in legal work. Almost three-quarters of lawyers present said that one of the largest potential benefits would be its ability to enable lawyers to focus on strategic work
Tech Talks: In-House Legal
Tune in on 23 July to hear Bjarne Philip Tellmann, CEO of FjordStream Advisors GmbH, discuss Law in an Era of AI. This is the latest in the Law Society audio series on emerging developments in AI and digital transformation, designed specifically for in-house lawyers. Join sessions live to engage directly with speakers and peers, or listen back on demand through the Platforum9 app.
In-house legal team could cut adoption-body costs
A review of the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) has found that the organisation is working well and fulfilling its statutory mandate. The report also finds no reason to transfer its functions to other bodies now, while it also urges the body to look at employing an in-house solicitor or legal team.
Events and training
In-house Annual Conference
The In-house and Public Sector Committee Annual Conference for 2026 will take place in the Law Society on 7 October (9.30am to 13.15pm). The theme of the conference is “Navigating Regulation in Ireland: Balancing Competition, Innovation and Compliance”.
The event will deliver updates on regulation across several disciplines, with a particular focus on technology, AI and communications. We’ll be considering regulatory developments at both an EU and a national level.
Speakers/panellists will include:
- Brian Kennedy SC, Chief Adjudication Officer at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
- Niamh Hodnett, Commissioner, ComReg
- John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán
- Niamh Sweeney, Commissioner, Data Protection Commission
The event will provide a unique opportunity to hear the regulator’s perspective, engage with the experts and network with colleagues, as well as gaining valuable CPD (3.5 hours by group study).
Strategic In-House Practice Micro-credential
In-house lawyers are increasingly taking on the role of trusted advisers, making the ability to communicate and work effectively within a non-traditional legal environment more important than ever. Beginning on 14 October, this micro-credential examines the rapid growth of in-house legal service provision and highlights the benefits of delivering legal services from within an organisation. Micro-credentials are bite-sized, flexible and accredited courses offered by the Law Society.
MOOC: Social Media, AI and the Law
This year’s free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) has started but is still available to access until 31 July. Gain insights from lawyers and other expert speakers on areas of social media, AI and the law.
Further training
Law Society Professional Training have launched a suite of new courses across a variety of legal topics and skills-based training. Keep up to date with ever evolving courses including decision-making, retirement planning, wellbeing and more.
ECLA General Counsel Forum, Paris
The European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA) General Counsel Forum Europe will bring together 250+ general counsel and senior legal leaders across Europe to discuss the most important topics relevant to European corporate legal departments, on 30 September and 1 October. Discussion topics will include AI, liability, sustainability, productivity, geopolitics, and much more.
You can find more information about the event, agenda, speakers and the 2026 Strategic Focus Areas at the link below.
