The new Journal of Elder Law and Capacity, published by the Law Society of Northern Ireland, has a UK and international focus with coverage on legal issues relevant to elder clients, clients with capacity issues, their families and carers.

Law Society president Suzanne Rice joined Linda Johnston, chair of the editorial panel, in welcoming Mr Justice Huddleston as the key note speaker at the launch event in Law Society House.

Commenting, Ms Rice said: “The launch of this new Journal underlines and reflects the long tradition and commitment held by the Society to provide the legal community in Northern Ireland with the necessary resources, support and publications they require.

“Legal materials are a fundamental part of any solicitors’ armoury of legal knowledge, especially in a small jurisdiction like ours where laws and procedures are often discrete.”

She paid tribute to the “invaluable contribution” of the Society’s editorial board and the editorial bard for the Journal, made up of Michael Graham, Sheena Grattan, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Dr Barbara English and secretary Heather Semple, who also edited the inaugural edition.

The new journal will target a multidisciplinary audience in Northern Ireland including lawyers, doctors, social workers and other bodies interested in the area of elder law and capacity.

It will be published in hard and soft copy, and will be issued two times per year and will include news and updates; articles; case commentaries or case studies; legislative developments and practice directions; and book reviews.

The cost of subscription is £90 and this entitles the subscriber to a hard copy of the Journal plus an e-zine.