The Dublin cluster, which took place at the Shelbourne Hotel, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, on Tuesday 10 December, heard updates on the new small-practice business supports now available from the Law Society.
The event attracted 245 lawyers.
The morning session, entitled ‘Healthy lawyers = happy clients: why it makes sense to invest in wellbeing in the legal profession’ heard from executive coach Katie da Gama.
Practitioners then heard about practical tips for addressing cybersecurity, with a session entitled ‘Prevention is better than cure’.
The speakers were Stephen Rae, now principal at KOBN and former editor-in-chief at Independent News and Media, and crime journalist Paul Williams.
Brexit consequences
Beauchamps partner Tony O’Sullivan, who is president of the Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association, chaired the afternoon session on Brexit, and its consequences for the legal sector and Irish business.
The speaker was Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, and economics analyst with Independent News and Media.
Dr David Cowan, associate lecturer in law at Maynooth University, and a freelance writer for the Gazette, spoke about prediction analytics and its costs benefits and threats.
Finally, John Elliot, the Law Society’s Director of Regulation spoke about LLPs.
“A large number of Dublin solicitors practice in corporate law firms in the city centre. We meet our colleagues on a daily basis and regularly discuss changes to practice. Some firms even run in-house workshops and training for their employees,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
“It is important for solicitors who do not practice in larger firms to engage with professional events and upskill. The Practice and Regulation Symposium 2019 attracts solicitors from across Dublin working as sole practitioners, in-house solicitors as well as the larger and smaller practices.”
“While larger firms often have a team of operations and facility management, smaller practices must be able to provide legal advice and manage the day-to-day running of a business. This conference is an opportunity for all solicitors to raise concerns and discuss the challenges they face on a day to day basis.”
“It is important for Dublin solicitors to be able to communicate the value of our services, skills and experience," said Tony O'Sullivan.
"Solicitors are highly-trained professionals and we can provide clarity and assurance to our clients in times of uncertainty.
"Solicitors must fight for pride in the profession by emphasising the work of solicitors and their contribution to the prosperity of the economy, society and our justice system.
"The fabric of society depends on legal rights and obligations being validly created and effectively enforced,” said Mr O’Sullivan.