When making a submission to a tribunal-for example the Workplace Relations Commission-or court keep the following in mind: Your opening paragraph should be a summary of your position, and you should know it by heart. Rehearse it. Then give a structure for the detail you are going to provide. This is like a map for… Continue reading Making a submission to a tribunal or court
Category: Law
Advocacy-persuasiveness, case preparation, start with the closing speech
Advocacy is about persuasiveness. It is about selling your client’s story to the decision maker or tribunal. Persuasiveness Your personal presentation is important including good, polished shoes. Poise is another factor-hold your head up. Relish your space and own it. Make eye contact with those you are seeking to persuade and lean forward. Personality? Be… Continue reading Advocacy-persuasiveness, case preparation, start with the closing speech
Advocacy essentials-the best way to advocate for your client
Your job as an advocate at a tribunal, court, or hearing is not to establish the truth. It is to persuade the tribunal on behalf of your client. This will involve revealing evidence in support of your client’s position, and suppressing evidence which is unhelpful. But you need to avoid having a go on behalf… Continue reading Advocacy essentials-the best way to advocate for your client
The stresses and pressures of buying and selling property
I have a couple of property transactions going on at the moment which have generated an enormous amount of stress and pressure for my clients. Buying and selling property are widely recognised as momentous, stressful events in a person’s life. Some individuals are better equipped to deal with the attendant pressures than others. What I… Continue reading The stresses and pressures of buying and selling property
Rant about interfering helpers
It happens all the time. The unwanted, uninvited, interfering helper gets his/her oar in with the client. And the effect, intended or otherwise, is to make the solicitor look lazy, incompetent, or uncaring. When nothing could be further from the truth. But when you’re explaining your losing. I won’t identify the group of individuals I… Continue reading Rant about interfering helpers
Day 3 of the WRC hearing-is this the best system for employment claims?
It looked like a straightforward unfair dismissal case. But today is the 3rd day of the WRC hearing. When you quote a person for your services for a WRC claim you do your best to give a competitive quotation. Some work out, some don’t. When a case goes on for three days, and you commit… Continue reading Day 3 of the WRC hearing-is this the best system for employment claims?
Getting planning permission in rural Ireland-evidence of an anti-rural bias?
I shared a video on Instagram yesterday about the local needs criteria when seeking planning permission for a residential development in rural Ireland. It generated a good deal of interest and questions. One of the questions surprised me, however. Here it is: It is hard to believe that it is necessary to explain that planning… Continue reading Getting planning permission in rural Ireland-evidence of an anti-rural bias?
The value and cost of my time
It happens every week, sometimes more than once. A person will contact me and ask me for an hour of my time. They may be doing some academic work or research. Or they may simply ‘want to run something past you’. I cannot understand how such persons cannot make the connection between my time and… Continue reading The value and cost of my time
I increased my consultation fee this week
And after hearing what a colleague was charging for WRC representation and hearings, I increased that fee significantly, too. Some of the WRC hearings are straightforward and can be dealt with in one sitting. But some can go on for two or more days. I am currently waiting for the third day of an unfair… Continue reading I increased my consultation fee this week
A tale of two solicitors-Michael Lynn theft/fraud trial to commence next week
Michael Lynn, a former solicitor, is facing criminal charges of theft of over €30m. The case is expected to commence in the coming week and to last for 12 to 14 weeks. Lynn had a High Court application for an adjournment dismissed last week. He has had a number of legal teams representing him and… Continue reading A tale of two solicitors-Michael Lynn theft/fraud trial to commence next week