SYS Annual Conference
27 Oct 2016
It’s that time of year again! Brightwater’s Michael Minogue Team Lead for Legal and Marketing Executive Laura Mattimoe were delighted to attend & sponsor the SYS conference 2016 at the Strand Hotel in Limerick.
The weekend began on Friday evening with a drinks reception in the Strand hotel. SYS committee members Aishlinn Gannon, Tom O’Maolagáin, James Meehan, Conor Boden, Aoife- Kelly Desmond, Máire Neary, Lucy O’Neill and Eimear Bell were all on hand to chat with junior legal professionals from a range of firms. The evening was a great opportunity for networking between conference delegates.
Saturday morning kicked off with this year’s conference theme “Sport & Law”. First of the afternoon’s speakers was Shane O’Neill Partner in the Commercial, Corporate and Sport Law Departments of Sweeney McGann. He discussed the role law plays in sport, both professional and amateur. Shane discussed the legalities surrounding bans, suspensions, dispute resolution, disciplinary practices, and offences both on and off the pitch. He also discussed Hawkeye and the legal part it plays in the GAA. Next, Laura Donnellan Lecturer of Law at the University of Limerick took to the stage to discuss gender testing in sport and the legalities that surround this area. Certainly a very thought provoking discussion with many interesting points raised throughout. The final speaker was Simon Keogh of IRUPA, the body representing rugby players in Ireland. Simon tackled legalities in negotiating contracts and the impact agents have on a player’s career. Again, a great discussion, especially given the time of year with Guinness Pro 12 in full swing. Finally, Brightwater’s Michael Minogue took to the stage to discuss career progression and the employment market for newly qualified solicitors with particular insight into what Brexit means for junior solicitors. On the recruitment front, demand for newly qualified solicitors has increased in both firms and in-house over the last couple of years. Overall the market is strong for talented legal professionals and as a result firms offer generous packages to attract and retain the best talent.
On Saturday night the main event of the weekend took place. The Gala Dinner was a great event for all in attendance and was a superb way to round off a thought-provoking and insightful weekend.
Michael Minogue of Brightwater’s legal recruitment team would be happy to assist anyone with their career moves and future direction. For further information and a confidential discussion about your career please contact Michael Minogue Team Lead at Brightwater on 01 662 1000 or email [email protected]