News & Insights
Ex-TD Faces Court Over Unpaid Workplace Relations Commission Award
Violet Anne Wynne, a former Clare TD, recently informed a court of her current financial struggles, which hinder her ability to fulfil a €6,500 debt. This obligation stems from a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) award related to an unfair dismissal case. Appearing at Ennis District Court, Wynne explained her unemployment status, stating, “I am currently […]
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Landowner’s Actions Threaten Vital Power Supply Maintenance
In a significant legal confrontation, a landowner’s actions have raised concerns over potential power disruptions and essential maintenance work. The case centres around Tom O’Shea from Milltown, Newbridge, Co Kildare, who stands accused of obstructing ESB contractors tasked with critical tree and vegetation management near high-voltage power lines. Background Of The Dispute The tension between […]
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Implications of Halting Proposed Increase in Personal Injury Awards
The recent decision not to proceed with the proposed 16.7% increase in personal injury awards has significant implications for both the insurance industry and consumers. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has decided against seeking approval from the Oireachtas, effectively stopping the proposal from advancing. Had it been approved, the increase could have substantially raised the value […]
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Northern Ireland Explores New Approaches to Justice Reform
Efforts are underway in Northern Ireland to reconsider how the criminal justice system manages lesser offences, with a consultation launched to explore the expansion of out-of-court disposals. These proposals aim to streamline the process for handling minor infractions, such as certain motoring offences, by empowering the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Public […]
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Government Blocks Proposed Increase in Personal Injury Awards
The government’s decision to reject the proposed increase in personal injury awards has sparked significant debate across various sectors. The Judicial Council had suggested a 16.7% rise in these awards, aligning with inflation rates since the last adjustments three years ago. Such changes would have seen awards for shortened life expectancy rise from €550,000 to […]
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German Court Decision Marks Major Shift in Data Privacy Enforcement
In a groundbreaking decision, a German court has mandated that Meta must compensate a German Facebook user €5,000 for using tracking technology embedded in third-party websites. This ruling may pave the way for significant fines related to data privacy violations involving tracking pixels and similar tools. Data Privacy And The GDPR The Regional Court of […]
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The Hot Tub in the Four Courts? An Analysis of Concurrent Expert Evidence in the Irish Legal System
Concurrent Expert Evidence, a procedural innovation colloquially known as “hot-tubbing,” represents one of the most significant shifts in modern civil litigation, challenging the centuries-old adversarial tradition of handling expert testimony. Originating in Australia and now adopted across the common law world, this method brings experts together to testify concurrently, engaging in a judge-led dialogue aimed […]
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Opinion: Why Falling Injury Awards Are Nothing to Celebrate
We recently read with interest the news story, and many like it, celebrating the supposed success of the 2021 personal injury guidelines. With headlines proclaiming a dramatic fall in both the number of claims and the value of awards, you would be forgiven for thinking that we are entering a golden age of fairness and […]
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Rising Complaints Signal Potential Trouble for Irish Solicitors
The recent Legal Services Regulation Authority (LSRA) Annual Report for 2024 brings concerning news for solicitors and their professional indemnity (PI) insurers alike. The report reveals a 14% increase in complaints, largely driven by banks flagging solicitors’ failures to adhere to undertakings. This trend harks back to challenging times in the legal profession, particularly following […]
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Rise in Legal Complaints Sparks Concern for Solicitors and Insurers
Recent data from the Legal Services Regulation Authority (LSRA) has highlighted a worrying trend for legal professionals and their indemnity insurers. The LSRA’s Annual Report for 2024 indicates a significant 14% increase in complaints over the previous year, primarily driven by banks filing complaints against solicitors for non-compliance with undertakings. This development is reminiscent of […]
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Rising Complaints Pose Challenges for Solicitors and Insurers
The latest Legal Services Regulation Authority (LSRA) Annual Report for 2024 reveals a concerning trend for solicitors and their professional indemnity (PI) insurers. Complaints received by the LSRA have increased by 14% compared to the previous year, predominantly due to banks reporting solicitors for failing to comply with undertakings. This uptick in complaints is reminiscent […]
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Impact of Increased Complaints on Solicitors and Insurers
The recent surge in complaints reported in the Legal Services Regulation Authority (LSRA) Annual Report for 2024 is a matter of grave concern for solicitors and their professional indemnity (PI) insurers. Dr Brian J Doherty, CEO of the LSRA, noted a 14% increase in complaints compared to 2023, primarily attributed to banks raising issues about […]
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