Northern Ireland

Legislation delivering the most comprehensive changes to liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland since 1996 has been approved by MLAs. The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill, which includes a number of reforms including greater flexibility for venues over opening times, was unani

Rosemary Connolly, principal solicitor at Rosemary Connolly Solicitors, Employment and Equality Lawyers, examines a significant decision in a sex discrimination claim in England. In an important decision concerning sex discrimination and flexible working, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in Engl

Solicitors have reported a surge in house completions in Northern Ireland as home-buyers take advantage of the stamp duty holiday, which will come to an end in September. Janet Williamson, director of commercial and property at O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors, said levels of completions "are at a point

Emergency protection for tenants having difficulty paying rent on commercial leases as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has been extended for a further three months. Section 83 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 which was first applied at the end of March 2020, has been extended until 30 September 2021, g

The Department for the Economy (DfE) is teaming up with local company FinTrU to offer 20 training places to graduates who wish to retrain in the legal aspect of financial services. Applications have opened for the assured skills academy, which will be delivered remotely over a five-week period by Be

A consultation is seeking views on whether the maximum penalty for injuring service animals on active duty in Northern Ireland should be increased for the second time in five years. Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots yesterday launched a consultation on proposals to prot

Court business has resumed in Banbridge Courthouse for the first time in five years following a £140,000 refurbishment.

A much-delayed bill to improve protections for victims of sexual offences and trafficking has won Executive approval at the last possible moment – albeit with "the removal of some important clauses". Justice Minister Naomi Long has for months sought approval from the Northern Ireland Executive

All drink driving offenders will have the opportunity to reduce their disqualification period by up to 25 per cent by completing a rehabilitation training course under a new law coming into force today. The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 has been commenced with effect from Mond

DWF has supported one of Northern Ireland's leading independent retail chains to weather the Covid-19 pandemic and even open new stores on the other side of it. Menarys recently completed an extensive review of its branch portfolio, which included the renegotiation of rents and restructuring of leas

More than four in five people in Northern Ireland believe that the right to an adequate standard of physical and mental health should be protected in law through a Bill of Rights following the Covid-19 pandemic. New public polling commissioned in collaboration by Ulster University, Queen’s Uni

An online roundtable co-hosted by Belfast law firm Cleaver Fulton Rankin has explored the potential for Northern Ireland to develop hydrogen generation as a means of harnessing onshore and offshore wind energy. The firm, in partnership with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks), rece

Maghera firm Mallon & Co Solicitors has expanded its business by taking over Coleraine firm Rafferty & Boyle Solicitors. Joe Mallon, director and head of Mallon & Co, paid tribute to Paul Boyle and Fionnuala Boyle for a "very seamless transition".

The contract for the use of Belfast's International Convention Centre (ICC) as a courts venue has been extended for a further two months.

Commercial law firm Tughans has announced 16 promotions and appointments across a number of sectors, including five new directors and seven new associate directors.