The Gazette 1992

GA Z E T TE

JUNE 1992

N W E S Young Lawyers Jo i nt Conf e r ence

The Spring Conference of the Society of Young Solicitors was this year replaced by a highly successful International Conference of Young Lawyers held in Newcastle, Co. Down on 8-10 May, 1991. The conference was organised by the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors Group with participation from the Society of Young Solicitors of Ireland, The Younger Members Committee of the Law Society, The Scottish Young Lawyers Association and The Young Solicitors Group of England and Wales. The conference marked a "first" in many respects. It was the first time that an SYS conference was held in Northern Ireland. It was also the first time that a Joint Conference could boast attendance by 400 delegates from nearly 20 countries. No fewer than 150 travelled from South of the border while the Northern Irish delegates numbered 123. Forty came from England and Wales, 19 from Scotland and the rest from as far away as Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway and Spain. With such a large contingent, it was not surprising that the entertainment and social events were many and varied. Ranging from helicopter tours of the Mourne Mountains, hill- climbing, coach tours, golf, mini- golf, pony trekking, tennis and cycling to the many attractions of the excellent leisure centre in the hotel itself. Some of those attending also witnessed a phenomenon peculiar to one part of the Mourne mountains where it was possible for a car to roll uphill! (Contrary to common belief, this was due to the effects of gravity on this particular mountain and not on those who witnessed it).

hotel followed by a disco into the small hours. On Saturday night, an excellent Black Tie Banquet was enjoyed by all delegates with live music preceding another disco for those able to last the pace. The weekend programme of lectures was of a very high standard and delegates were addressed by speakers from several jurisdictions on topics ranging from enforcement of judgements to a panel on libel. Professor Robert Black QC opened the conference by exploring the philosophy and structure of the 1968 Brussels Convention and the later Conventions of Luxembourg, Lugano and San Sebastian in 1978, 1988 and 1989 respectively. The underlying objective was to secure free movement of judgements throughout the EC in Civil and Commercial matters. Eight signatories including Ireland have undertaken to take all appropriate measures to implement the San Sebastian Convention by the end of this year while all countries (bar four) have yet to implement the Lugano Convention which deals with the allocation of jurisdiction and enforcement of judgements between EC Member States on the one hand and Members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on the other. Forum Shopping presented by Marjorie Holmes, former barrister and now practising as a partner in the London Law firm of Davies Arnold Cooper, dealt with the practical considerations involved in choosing the jurisdiction in which to commence or process one's claim. Factors which influence one's choice are the divergences from one country to another of personal injury awards, court fees, time limits, limits of liability, time to obtain an award, costs and availability of legal aid. This lecture highlighted the need for harmonisation among Member States in these areas.

The Sunday morning panel on libel was presented by Michael Lavery QC, Michael O'Mahony, solicitor, McCann FitzGerald and Richard Ingrams, former editor of Private Eye and former columnist with the Observer newspaper. The panel, representing the perspectives from the plaintiff's, defendant's and journalist's point of view, dealt admirably with the individual's right to privacy versus freedom of speech. Public benefit was examined as well as the proportionality of the plaintiff's award vis a vis the "injury" suffered. Privileged documents and statements, the individual's reputation and defences to libel actions were all explored. It was generally felt that juries should be given very clear direction on the question of damages. sponsors - Investment Bank of Ireland - who have consistently supported our events and also to Butterworths. Mention must also be made of those responsible for the SYS and YMC input to this conference and our thanks extended to them for their hard work in helping to organise the weekend - James McCourt (SYS) and Robert Hennessy (YMC). Details of the Autumn Conference of the SYS will be provided in the next issue of the Gazette. Jennifer Blunden, Public Relations Officer, SYS. English Agents: Agency work undertaken for Irish solicitors in both litigation and non-contentious matters - including legal aid. Fearon & Co., Solicitors, 12 The Broadway, Woking, Surrey GU21 5 AU. Tel: 0044-483-726272. Fax: 0044-483-725897. The SYS would like to express sincere thanks to our generous main

On Friday evening, folk music was provided in Chaplin's Bar in the

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