Last Friday (6 November), 138 solicitors from Clare, Limerick and Mayo attended the annual Essential Solicitors’ Update, which, for the first time, took place online.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in association with the Clare, Limerick, and Mayo Solicitors’ Bar Associations, the conference provided an opportunity for local solicitors to remain current in areas of law relevant to them in their daily work, such as family law, conveyancing, and advice for farmer clients.

The event’s discussion also focused on the implications of litigating through a pandemic, and how to use technology to a firm’s advantage.

Working through a pandemic

Mayo solicitor Marc Loftus (Bourke, Carrigg & Loftus Solicitors, Ballina) is President of the Mayo Solicitors’ Bar Association and said that the event was an opportunity for West of Ireland practitioners to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that this year has brought.

“Despite Government restrictions, the annual conference took place successfully online,” Mr Loftus said. 

“Legal experts in agriculture, family law and litigation addressed this year’s conference, and focused on the pressing issues currently facing solicitors, and their clients, in Clare, Limerick and Mayo.

“Many solicitors in the West of Ireland have a strong farming client base,” explained Mr Loftus. “The Essential Solicitors’ Update covered issues of interest to the farming community, including advice on farm transfers, partnerships, tax relief, and grant relief schemes. 

“The speakers also discussed family-law updates, and the implications of litigating in the courts while adhering to new rules and practices, social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions.”

Open for business

“Navigating the COVID-19 restrictions has brought challenges, but it has also highlighted the benefits and necessities of technology within the modern solicitor’s workplace,” he said.

“This conference examined how busy solicitors can use technology to their advantage to help support their office operations, communications, case management, and client care.

“As we learn to live with COVID-19 and the different levels of restrictions, we should remember that solicitors are essential services, and remain open for business,” he explained.

“Local solicitors in Clare, Limerick and Mayo are equipped with up-to-date practice knowledge, and are available to provide expert legal advice on many important matters to clients, including farming and agriculture, litigation, family issues, and more,” he said.

He encouraged anyone seeking advice in these areas to “talk to your local solicitor.”