Caption: Pictured at the launch of the Certificate in Company Secretarial Law and Practice part of the Society’s autumn courses is John Lunney (Diploma Centre, Law Society of Ireland), Eleanor Daly (General Counsel, FEXCO) Tracy Byrne (Solicitor, Company Secretary, Standard Life) and Ruairi Cosgrove (Vice President ICSA Ireland.

“One of the key changes to the Irish corporate governance structure in the recent past has been the requirement to appoint a ‘suitably qualified’ person to the position of company secretary under the Companies Act 2014. This has elevated that role to being the principal legal administrative and compliance officer within a company,” according to John Lunney, diploma executive at the Law Society of Ireland. 

“With an increased focus on the need for effective governance in the current climate, the position has expanded in many companies, and the scope of the role has moved beyond corporate compliance to become a focal point for advice about governance, compliance, and the conduct of business.”

One of the key ways the Law Society is helping Irish companies develop and maintain strong corporate governance structures is through the professional courses it provides.

“The Law Society of Ireland Diploma Centre and ICSA: The Governance Institute (ICSA) have partnered on a jointly awarded Certificate in Company Secretarial Law and Practice that offers a practical insight into company secretarial requirements in Ireland. Over 250 students have completed this course since it was launched in 2015.”

Under the expert guidance of a faculty of leading legal practitioners and chartered company secretaries, the course provides an overview of company law framework as set out in the Companies Act 2014.

Mr Lunney explains, “All areas of company secretary practice are examined in detail in this blended learning course and useful guidance for practitioners is provided through precedents, practical tips and checklists and the opportunity to engage in interactive workshop sessions.”

The Law Society also offers a long standing Diploma in Corporate Law & Governance.

“This course is open to lawyers and non-lawyers. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the law in relation to this interesting and changing sector, which has seen numerous changes since the introduction of the Companies Act 2014,” said Mr Lunney.

The Diploma focuses on typical ‘events’ during the lifetime of a corporate entity , from “start up” to “winding”, as well as practical aspects of corporate governance. The current course has introduced an innovative boardroom simulation module in which students gain an interactive insight into boardroom meetings and effective board behaviour.

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