• Data protection, advising the elderly on Fair Deal Scheme issues and residential tenancies to be discussed at the Law Society Skillnet conference
• Opportunity for solicitors from across the midlands region to be briefed on latest law changes and updates ahead of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force next Friday
• Conference being held at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise

As key GDPR advisors to businesses across Laois, Carlow, Kildare and the midlands, over 100 solicitors are attending a major legal conference in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise today (Friday 18 May 2018).

Organised by Law Society Skillnet and local bar associations, data protection is high on the agenda that also includes presentations on advising the elderly, commercial leases and residential tenancies.

Data Protection

Solicitor James McElwee of McElwee Solicitors (Mountmellick) is the President of the Laois Solicitors’ Association and is chairing the event.

“The new GDPR rules come into force for everyone next Friday - 25 May 2018. The new data protection rules are relevant to all businesses and professions without exception,” said Mr McElwee. 

“With the deadline fast approaching, it is important businesses in the midlands are aware of the steps they must take to stay compliant.”

“Solicitors are key advisors across a variety of business matters and can advise on issues such as data protection impact assessments, preparing for data breaches, and appointing data protection officers. Any business not prepared for the new data changes could face penalties, including fines.”

“If you are unsure what the new rules mean for your business, contact your local solicitor for advice as early as possible.”

Fair Deal scheme

Among other topics addressed, the conference also focuses on advising the elderly on the Fair Deal Scheme. 

“The Fair Deal Scheme is a concern for many people living in regional and rural areas. It is continuously evolving so it is essential to stay up-to-date with changes,” said Mr McElwee.

“This conference will ensure solicitors in the midlands remain current and are the best sources of advice for the elderly and their families on the scheme. As solicitors, we are at the front-line of helping families decipher the details of the scheme, highlighting their entitlements, and how best to protect their homes, farms and businesses”

Local focus

“This is the second year we have brought 100 local solicitors together for the Laois professional development cluster event. As laws develop, we want to ensure local solicitors are equipped with the most up-to-date.

Photographs from the event

You can view or download pictures from the 2018 Midlands Skillnet Cluster below. Click on an image to view it in a larger window.