The Law Society is closely monitoring and following official advice from the Health Services Executive (HSE) in order to protect members, staff and students during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Courts Service
The Courts Service is putting a range of contingency plans in place to protect the health of all service users and information on this is available on its website.
Notices concerning specific sittings and services are available below:
Business continuity
The Law Society remains open and our business continuity team has taken measures to ensure there will be minimal disruption to Law Society operations and services during this time.
Where appropriate, some Law Society staff have been facilitated to continue their work from home.
Law Society events
Events at Blackhall Place have been cancelled until further notice. Diplomas and CPD events will be provided online. The first month of the scheduled PPC II will take place in an online format.
See information for specific courses below:
FE-1 Candidates
The Society notes the revised guidance issued stating that from 6pm yesterday, 12 March, all indoor gatherings of more than 100 people should be cancelled.
The Law Society is therefore offering students scheduled to sit the remaining FE-1 examinations today (Friday, 13 March) and Monday (16 March) the option of sitting the remaining examinations in their current venue with less than 100 people.
Refund
Alternatively, for those candidates who are uncomfortable with sitting an examination in the current environment, the Law Society will issue a refund for the two remaining examinations.
It will also provide an additional sitting of the examination in European Union Law and the Law of Torts in the coming months.
Candidates should indicate by return whether they intend sitting either or both examinations to fe1section@lawsociety.ie.
If clarification is required, please contact Victoria Gleeson on 01 672 4934.
Visiting Blackhall Place
The Law Society has introduced a number of measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19 including:
- Posting HSE guidance on cleanliness and handwashing throughout our buildings.
- Introducing a new visitor protocol, see below.
- Providing sanitiser units at the entrances of all of our buildings.
- Providing individual bottles of sanitiser to all front-line staff.
- Frequently disinfecting surfaces including door handles, key pads, and banisters throughout the day.
The Law Society has implemented a visitor sign-in process at all building receptions to facilitate the tracking of visitors.
If you are scheduled to visit Blackhall Place, and have been to China,Italy,South Korea,Iran in the previous 21 days, contact the Society prior to arrival as your engagement will be facilitated by conference call.
Public Health advice
All colleagues and students should follow the advice issued by the HSE to protect you and loved ones against the virus.
The employer position – for information
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has published important information for employers and employees.