The Law Society of Ireland Skillnet, in partnership with Clare Bar Association and Limerick Bar Association, is hosting the Essential Solicitor Update 2015 event in the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. It is part of a nationwide programme of cluster events planned throughout the country this year.

President of the Law Society of Ireland Kevin O’Higgins says, “Experts in topics such as family law, conveyancing and probate will deliver the very latest updates and developments in these areas, which have been identified by local solicitors as being of key importance in the Clare market.”

Local perspective

Marina Keane, a native of Kilkee, is a solicitor with Ennis firm Michael Houlihan & Partners. Ms Keane says that the business that comes across the solicitor’s desk can often be an indication of the health of the wider local economy.

“What we’re seeing in Clare is a definite increase in house-buying, which seems to indicate that the “green shoots” of recovery are indeed starting to grow in Clare, although at a more modest rate than the larger urban centres.”

“However it’s important that prospective purchasers are alive to any potential issues that may be involved in house-buying post-recession. On top of the many new charges that have come into force since the recession, there may be some legacy issues that require extra attention when buying a property.”

“Conveyancing has certainly become more complex in recent years - your solicitor will be able to advise if there are any concerns around a particular property.”

The solicitors’ profession in County Clare has also enjoyed some particular success in recent times, with the appointment of Judge Marie Keane, of Callinan Keane Solicitors in Ennis, to the District Court. Judge Eugene O’Kelly, formerly of O’Kelly Moylan Solicitors in Kilrush, has also been promoted from the District Court to the Circuit Court. These appointments follow Ennis solicitor John P Shaw’s presidency of the Law Society of Ireland in 2014.

Teri Kelly, Law Society of Ireland Director of Member Services, says, “In designing this seminar, we have been guided strongly by what the people of Clare need from their solicitors.”

“It is important for the Law Society to reach out to our members around the country. These cluster events allow us to tailor our seminars around the particular needs of local solicitors and the local communities they serve.”