Over 100 students examine future of the law at UCD Student Legal Convention 2019
Over 100 law students from universities across Ireland examined the future of the law at the sixth annual UCD Student Legal Convention yesterday.
The student-led event, which is supported by A&L Goodbody, was chaired by Dr Sinead Kane, a visually impaired athlete and qualified lawyer who holds two PhDs and two Guinness World Record titles.
Law students Rowan Kelleher and Andrea Whelton jointly co-ordinated the event, which featured talks and debates on topics such as diversity and inclusion, work-life balance and technology and innovation.
Speakers included Dale Sunderland, deputy commissioner at the Irish Data Protection Commission; Peter Ward, chairperson of FLAC; Ciarán Finlay, policy & public affairs advisor at the National Disability Authority; and Sarah Keane, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland and CEO of Swim Ireland.
Opening the convention, Julian Yarr, managing partner at A&L Goodbody, said: “Topics such as diversity and inclusion and technology are at the core of societal and business change. None more so than in the legal industry.
“The most progressive law firms see these issues as opportunities. We know that being a diverse and inclusive business makes us a better place to work. Harnessing technology to drive innovation means that we can deliver new and more efficient services to our clients. Today gave us a fascinating insight into the future of law in Ireland.”