News

Judge Hugh Mercer KC has been appointed as vice-president of the Irish Centre for European Law (ICEL). The UK judge on the European Court of Human Rights is now a member of the centre's advisory council, which meets twice yearly to advise its board on legal education in European human rights law and

A camel beauty contest in Oman has become the latest to be rocked by a plastic surgery scandal. Organisers of the 2026 Camel Beauty Show Festival in Al Musannah in February say they disqualified a total of 20 camels who received cosmetic enhancements including lip fillers and Botox injections.

The Belfast Solicitors' Association (BSA) has named WAVE Trauma Centre as its charity partner for 2026. WAVE Trauma Centre is a leading Northern Ireland charity providing care and support to individuals and families bereaved, injured or traumatised as a result of the Troubles.

Gabriel Makhlouf is set to continue as Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland for a further seven-year term. Mr Makhlouf took up the position on 1 September 2019 and will began his second term on 1 September 2026.

A&L Goodbody has been recognised for its commitment to supporting sustainable, active and low-carbon commuting. The firm has been awarded the Smarter Travel Mark Silver level by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Two lay members have been appointed to the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC). Deirdre Toner and Mark Mitchell have been appointed for a four-year term until 24 February 2030.

Significant legislation on sentencing has been introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Sentencing Bill will increase the maximum sentences for a number of offences while also introducing a new framework for hate crime.

Former solicitor Jenny Fisher has been appointed to the board of St James's Hospital. She will serve until 16 February 2023 on the board of Ireland’s largest acute academic teaching hospital, based in Dublin’s south inner city.

New restrictions on the sale and advertising of nicotine pouches are to be introduced. The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 will prohibit the sale of nicotine consumption products, such as pouches, to under-18s.

Remy Farrell SC is to facilitate a scoping exercise taking place ahead of a statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services. The scoping exercise, beginning today and running for 16 weeks, will inform the terms of reference and potential structure of the planned inquiry.

Lorcan Staines SC has been appointed to facilitate a scoping exercise ahead of a public inquiry into the abuse carried out by former surgeon Michael Shine. To date, more than 390 men have made allegations of abuse against the now disgraced doctor, who has served a prison sentence for sexually abusin

Businesses will be expressly banned from microchipping their employees under legislation proposed in a US state. Legislators in the state of Washington are currently considering House Bill 2303, which provides that an employer "may not request, require, or coerce any employee to have a microchip imp

All practising lawyers have vital skills to offer a charity, NGO or social enterprise in need, a panel discussion has heard. An event in Dublin has put the spotlight on how preventive, transactional legal support — on matters including governance, structuring, contracts and compliance —

Three pupils from Northern Ireland schools gained a rare behind-the-scenes look at life in Clyde & Co through a mentoring programme aimed at empowering future women leaders. The global law firm again collaborated with the SistersIN leadership programme, an initiative that empowers 16-18-year-old

Foot Anstey McKees has appointed hospitality and licensing specialist Richard McLaughlin as a legal director in Belfast. Mr McLaughlin brings more than 25 years’ experience working with clients across the hospitality, leisure and licensing trade including securing the liquor licence for the 15