Kilkenny legal conference focusses on community issues

The conference was organised by Law Society Skillnet in association with Carlow Bar Association, Kilkenny Bar Association, Wexford Bar Association, and Waterford Law Society.

Solicitors from Kilkenny, Carlow and across the South East discussed the latest trends and changes across the national legal landscape, with a very strong focus on information that is relevant to the local area.

Specific sessions covered enduring powers of attorney, making a will and probate issues, the Fair Deal Scheme, and property updates.

Yvonne Blanchfield, president of the Kilkenny Bar Association, said: “Local solicitors are at the frontline of many of life’s big moments. We are routinely advising and representing our clients on major decisions that need to be made in business, in planning for elderly care, or when buying or selling a home or farm.”

Highlighting a key theme of the conference, advising elderly people and their carers, she said: “We know from the 2016 Census that people are living longer and the population aged over 65 in Ireland is growing. Since the 2011 Census, the number of people aged 65 and over in Kilkenny has increased by approximately two thousand people.

“There is an important role for solicitors in representing clients who are making plans for their senior years. These are often highly personal, emotive issues for our clients and I am pleased that the topic was high on the conference agenda.

“While our professional advice and experience is sought, it is crucial that as a profession we have a high standard of knowledge and are able to tap into the expertise of our peers from around the nation.

“Even seemingly everyday tasks such as buying and selling of homes require regular updates and our members report it is a hot topic in this area at the moment.”

Ms Blanchfield added: “As business owners and members of the local business community, the conference is also an excellent forum for solicitors to come together to seek and share advice on behalf of and for the benefit of their clients and the local community.”