News

David Cairns Young Northern Ireland solicitors met in Belfast this month to elect the new Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association (NIYSA) committee for 2017.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden Two lawyers are among five people who have been appointed as parole commissioners for Northern Ireland.

Cantillons Solicitors in Cork has announced the appointment of new partners and associate solicitors at the firm, which has re-acquired its former premises at 38 South Mall to accomodate its growth.

Philip Barden A lawyer acting for former British soldiers facing prosecution for their actions during the Troubles has called for an inquiry into whether the prosecutorial processes are fair.

Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir Retired Lord Justice of Appeal, Sir Patrick Coghlin, will chair the independent inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal.

Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Claire Sugden has announced a new partnership between the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) to develop support services for prison officers in Northern Ireland. Ms Sugden said: “Prison officers play an inva

in the decision making process”. As such, the Directive should not be construed in the most onerous manner possible, and that the Courts should be “astute to ensure the objectives of the Directive are met but not in an overly pedantic way”.

Justices in the Supreme Court have held that an Act of Parliament is required to authorise ministers to give Notice of the decision of the UK to withdraw from the European Union, dismissing the appeal of the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union by a majority of 8 to 3. On the devolution

Justice Minister Claire Sugden Northern Ireland's Justice Minister Claire Sugden has announced a pilot scheme to pre-record the cross-examination of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald Plans to introduce a statutory definition of consent are set to be approved by Cabinet today, The Irish Times reports.

Representatives from the Law Societies in each of the four legal jurisdictions in the UK and Ireland met in Belfast today.

Aoife McShane Aoife McShane has been named chairperson of Newry and Banbridge Solicitors Association for 2017.

Struck-off Mullingar solicitor David Walsh has failed in his High Court bid to be re-admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, The Irish Times reports. Mr Justice Peter Kelly ruled that Mr Walsh, formerly of David Walsh & Co Solicitors, was “not a fit and proper person” to practise as a solicitor.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire The UK government is considering legislation to protect elderly British soldiers from prosecution for their actions during the Troubles, the News Letter reports.

A former solicitor jailed for stealing €260,000 from her clients has seen her 12-month prison sentence halved on appeal. Mr Justice George Birmingham, giving judgment in the Court of Appeal, said the sentence for Jacqueline Durcan, 47, could have been less than 12 months.