The Gazette 1967/71

6. Court Offices and Costs Gerald Hickey, Chairman. Walter Beatty, William M. Cahir, Francis J. Lanigan, Gerald J. Moloney, J. Desmond Moran, John C. O'Carroll, Roderick J. O'Connor, Thomas E. O'Donnell, John A. O'Meara, Moya Quinlan, Robert McD. Taylor. 7. Court of Examiners Peter D. M. Prentice, Chairman, Desmond J. Collins, John B. Jermyn, J. Desmond Moran, James W. O'Donovan. The President, Vice-Presidents and immediate past President as members ex-officio of each Committee except numbers 1 and 2. PRECEDENT BANK AND COPYING SERVICE On a report from the Public Relations and Ser vices Committee the Council decided to place an order for the IBM Magnetic Tape machine with a view to establishing a precedent and copying service for members. A questionnaire form was sent out with the November issue of the Society's Gazette asking members to supply information as to the type of documents most frequently prepared in their offices with a view to enabling the com mittee to select suitable forms for storing on tapes- Members who received this form are asked to return it with the information requested in the greatest possible detail. Office Survey A questionnaire was issued to 40% of the pro fession selected on a random basis asking for information which would enable the Council to prepare information and figures for use at the anticipated inquiry by the Fair Trades Commision regarding solicitors' remuneration and other matters. ^Of 336 offices who received this question naire 122 or 36.5% of the sampled offices have replied to date. Offices who received the question naire and have not returned it are asked to do so without delay as the validity of the conclusions to be drawn from the survey depends upon an adequate response—at least 70%. The question naire form should be returned direct to Cooper Brothers & Co., Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2. ADMISSION CEREMONY Thirty one newly qualified solicitors were pre sented with their parchments by the President, Mr. Eunan McCarron, in the Library in Solicitors' Buildings, on Wednesday, 3rd December 1969. The President, addressing the newly qualified solicitors and their friends, said:—

Ladies and Gentlemen, My year of office as Presilent of the Society comes to an end next week and it is a great pleasure for me that my last official function should be this admission ceremony. This is always a happy occa sion for all concerned. It is a proud day for parents and friends, a memorable day for the sons and daughters who have received their parch ments, and a most pleasant day for me and for Council members who are here to welcome our new colleagues I know I speak on behalf of the entire profession when I say that we are all ever ready and willing to help the new practitioner—provided of course that he does not make it too obvious that he wants to teach us our business, however well qualified he may be in fact to do so. The profession will also rejoice because new Solicitors are required in many offices especially in rural areas. Because of the lack of reciprocity with our neighbours it is pleasant to know that there are adequate openings in this country just now for young Solicitors not only in private prac tice but also in the commercial world and the Government Services. There is a growing aware ness in business circles that a young Solicitor is well fitted for many an executive post, particularly in large companies and in quasi state organisations. There is indeed a great need for Solicitors in certain of the Government Departments for example in the Land Registry. Salary scales are, I understand, under review in the Land Registry and posts there may now become more attractive. If our profession is to withstand inroads on what we once considered to be our own preserves we may be ourselves well able to do something about this if we have the energy and inclination. We should endeavour to keep up to date particularly in the field of estate conservation and manage ment, company transaactions including take over procedures, tax laws and town planning. As you probably know some law students have recently established several bureaux in Dublin in order to provide free legal aid for the poorer section of the community. It is also hoped to open a bureau in Cork in the immediate future. My Council is most anxious to solicit support from its members to help the excellent work being done by the students and I would ask you newly admit ted Solicitors to offer your services. The Secretary will give full information upon request and you might note that the Society is publishing a booklet on the Social Welfare Code recently written by a member of the Council- This booklet should be studied by all especially those who may serve 72