News

• Working from home can be isolating or stressful, particularly in the current environment. In a recent article, LawCare provides useful self-care tips for those working remotely. Get wellbeing support
• The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published a Consultation Paper on Remote Hearings and Written Submissions. The Commission is asking stakeholders to make their submissions by e-mail to david.small@workplacerelations.ie by 5.30pm on 30 April, 2020. Read the Consultation Paper
• In the latest Gazette, Anthony Thullier discusses the benefits of a legal response to online criminals. Initiating proceedings and securing interim and interlocutory orders against cyberattackers has value, sending a signal to the hackers that their demands will be resisted and their websites deleted, he argues. Read the Gazette
• On 21 April 2020, the European Company Lawyers Association (ECLA) launched 'Legal Departments in a Digital Era', a joint pan-European study with Wolters Kluwer, which aims to establish an overview of the digital maturity of corporate legal departments across Europe. The study can be  downloaded for free from the ECLA website. Access the study

Resources

• The President of the Law Society, Michele O'Boyle, is issuing regular President's Bulletins to keep members up-to-date on practice issues and the Society's engagement with Government. If you are not receiving Bulletins, you can subscribe or update your details using the links at the top of any Bulletin, available on the eNewsletters page. View President's Bulletins
• The Crisis Career Support team is available to help solicitors in employment with queries about jobs, getting laid off, financial supports, and related issues. Law Society staff will quickly provide advice and guidance. Access Crisis Support
• LegalMind is a new, confidential and independent service to support Law Society members and their dependants. Law Society members anywhere in Ireland can call LegalMind at any time of the day or night and talk to a mental health professional about any issues they or their family may be facing. On completion of this consultation, the counsellor and you will collaboratively explore what the most appropriate next steps and supports available for you are. Access LegalMind

Training information

Law Society Professional Training and the Law Society Diploma Centre are offering over 45 hours of complimentary CPD to support members.

• The In-house and Public Sector Committee and Law Society Finuas Skillnet are pleased to host an online suite of brief presentations from four in-house panellists on enhancing the effectiveness of the in-house legal team in the current climate. Presentations are informed by questions raised by the Committee and will address the remote management of teams. Book your place in the In-House and Public Sector Panel Discussion 2020
• LegalED Talks, delivered with grant funding from Skillnet Ireland who are funded by the Department of Education & Skills, offers insight on practice issues in the light of Covid-19, regulatory matters, IT skills, and wellbeing. Please note: this course is delivered through the Learnskills website, which operates on a separate login system to lawsociety.ie. If you have not used Learnskills before, you will need to create an account to access course content. Access LegalEDTalks
• The Certificate in Technology Law is designed to give comprehensive coverage to the broad range of legal issues arising from technology law in this digital age. It is also available for free to members. See course details
• The Introduction to Arts, Entertainment & Media Law examines the law affecting the arts, entertainment, and media spaces. Participants in this free online course will be guided through the practical aspects of the law by experienced legal practitioners, industry representatives and leaders, members of the public sector, and non-governmental organisations. Register online

Social Media

In-house solicitors can connect and network with colleagues across organisations using a private LinkedIn group.

• Access the In-House LinkedIn Group

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, while supporting the Law Society in the exercise of its representative, educational and regulatory roles as they relate to the in-house sector.

The Committee offers guidance to in-house solicitors in response to individual queries.  Log in to find out about the In-House and Public Sector Committee.