• Almost 130 solicitors gather in Tralee for major legal conference 
• GDPR, probate and family law experts updated local Kerry solicitors on legislation changes
• The conference was a joint initiative of Law Society Finuas Skillnet and the Kerry Law Society

On Thursday 6 September the Ballygarry Hotel, Tralee hosted 130 Kerry solicitors for the region’s Essential Solicitors Update conference.

Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in partnership with Kerry Law Society, this major annual legal conference provided an opportunity for local solicitors to update their knowledge in key areas of Irish and EU law such as probate, GDPR and family law.

Tralee solicitor, Pat Mann of Patrick Mann & Company, is president of the Kerry Law Society. He says the conference is a chance for local solicitors to upskill so they can provide the best possible advice to their clients.

“The legal landscape is continuously evolving. This year, we have had huge changes within the law, particularly in relation to data protection. These changes impact all industries within the Kerry region including farming and tourism.”

“The conference was a chance to meet other local solicitors, share concerns and advice on behalf of local clients, and talk with experts about developments in the sector,” said Mr Mann. 

GDPR and tourism

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) expert, Ann Henry of Pinsent Masons, addressed the conference and gave an insight into how Kerry businesses can stay up to date on the changes.

Solicitor John Galvin is Secretary of Kerry Law Society and also attended the event. He says all Kerry businesses must ensure they follow GDPR laws. “The new data protection rules came into effect just before the summer and it is important that all businesses in Kerry stay compliant,” said Mr Galvin. “Kerry has a great tourism industry, and one aspect of tourism is the collection of personal information. Local businesses and organisations should be aware of how they handle their customers’ personal data.”

Personal data is any information that can identify an individual person. This can include, but is not limited to, a name, postal address, images or anything relating to the identity of a person. “Any organisation or business dealing with personal data, including many SMEs and tourist attractions, social groups, sport clubs and volunteer groups in our region need to be following these rules.”

Businesses not compliant with the new rules may face severe penalties, including fines of up to €20 million or four per cent of turnover. “The impact of changes to GDPR around key local industries such as tourism and farming can be complex and demanding. The fines for non-compliance could be damaging to a small business,” said Mr Galvin.

“If you are still unsure what GDPR means for you and your business, talk to your solicitor for advice. Your local solicitors are key advisors across a number of business matters and are ready to brief you and your business with vital information including data protection, data breaches and appointing a data protection officer,” said Mr Galvin

Probate

Emerging issues in probate and wills were also on the agenda of the annual legal event. “Local solicitors are at the heart of the community. We are regularly there to offer advice and help people during difficult times including buying and selling houses, family law or providing probate advice,” said Mr Mann. “We were lucky to have probate expert Richard Hammond of Hammond Good Solicitors, Cork provide an update on this important topic. There is no doubt our delegates today will be up to date on this sensitive issue,” he said.

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