The Law Society of Ireland Skillnet, in partnership with the Mayo Solicitors’ Bar Association, is hosting the Connaught Solicitors Symposium 2015 event in the Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar. 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 Mayo market.”

Local perspective

James Cahill is the Principal Solicitor of Cahill & Cahill of Castlebar and 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 Mayo is a slight increase in house-buying, which seems to indicate that the “green shoots” of recovery are slowly starting to appear in Mayo, although at a much more modest rate than the larger urban centres.”

“However, it’s important that buyers and sellers are aware of the issues that may arise in such transactions, post-recession.  Examples such as unpaid property taxes, Planning Act issues and the perils of buying from receivers can all cause problems.”

“Water charge issues with Irish Water may be the next matter to cause delays and that will certainly be more time consuming than dealing with local water schemes.  There is the fundamental need for clients to understand the adage “the day you buy is the day you sell”.

“For example, in Mayo a huge proportion of title maps are inaccurate and need to be fixed before a property sale can proceed. That takes time and, in my experience, excessive delays can put the sale of a property in jeopardy. The advice here is, speak to your solicitor early when you’re considering buying or selling a property. Your solicitor will be able to advise of the issues with a particular property.”

James Cahill is a member of the Council of the Law Society of Ireland for over ten years and is a former President and active member of the Mayo Solicitors’ Bar Association.

Mayo Focus

Teri Kelly, Law Society of Ireland Director of Representation and Member Services, says, “In designing this seminar, we have been guided strongly by what the people of Mayo 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.”