26 September 2013
In-House Corporate Lawyers Invaluable to Local Economy
Alan Hunter, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland; Arlene Foster, MLA Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment; Neasa Quigley, Head of Corporate, Carson McDowell and Stephen Allen, Head of Global Legal Services Transformation, PwC.
The importance of in-house lawyers to the Northern Ireland economy was one of several discussion points at a unique conference organised this week by the Law Society of Northern Ireland in association with law firm, Carson McDowell.
Over 70 in-house corporate lawyers many of whom work for some of Northern Ireland’s leading industrial and commercial companies attended the conference which took place at Law Society House in Belfast.
Those attending the daylong conference had an opportunity to hear from a number of key note speakers including the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster and the honourable Mr Justice Weatherup on issues as diverse as the business management, property issues, social media and data protection.
As well as providing a platform to discuss issues affecting in-house lawyers the conference also provided an opportunity for attendees to network and meet colleagues.
Commenting on the conference, Alan Hunter, Chief Executive of the Law Society said:
"This is the first time that an all-day conference has been organised exclusively for in-house corporate lawyers.
The Law Society is therefore delighted to be hosting this unique conference which provides an opportunity to highlight the important role which in-house lawyers provide to commercial businesses and organisations through Northern Ireland and further afield.
It is important that we recognise the many skills and abilities that in-house lawyers bring to the table not just in terms of their professional ethics and legal advice”.
Head of Corporate and Commercial at Carson McDowell, Neasa Quigley, added;
“We are delighted to be involved in this first ever one-day conference for in-house lawyers. As a firm we advise a number of in-house legal teams and the conference is a great opportunity to discuss legal issues which are pertinent to them. Hopefully the success of today will ensure the conference becomes an annual event in the Law Society’s diary.”
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster commented: "Northern Ireland’s in-house lawyers are playing an important role in our business community. Going far beyond providing technical knowledge of the law, their expertise has a direct impact on the performance of businesses, as in-house lawyers not only aid the decision making process but inform strategy and policy development as well.
“As Northern Ireland’s companies look to make their mark on the global market, the expertise of in-house lawyers will be called upon to provide the advice and guidance which will be essential as we work to grow an economy that is truly world class.”