The Gazette 1994

GAZETTE

M W H

APRIL 1994

N e w C a r e e r O p p o r t u n i t i es S o u g h t f o r S o l i c i t o r s

various departments of the member companies to the "front-house" personnel, who should be briefed on the Scheme, the terminology and the procedures involved. A substantial (12%) number of complainants have chosen to refer their claims to me with the help of their solicitor. I point out at the first opportunity to solicitors that, as the scheme has no provision for costs, all expenses are the responsibility of the claimant, but this has not been a deterrent. As the first Insurance Ombudsman, and having made my contribution over the last twelve months to the establishment of the office in this country, the responsibility rests with me to imbue the office with integrity and credibility and to inspire confidence in the functioning of the Ombudsman's role. I would like to record my thanks to all the solicitors who have, so far, used my Office. I would be pleased to give any further information on the operation of the scheme and to supply copies of the explanatory leaflet, which sets out, in broad terms, procedures required in referring a complaint, dispute or claim

Did you ever consider recruiting a solicitor for something other than your legal problems? This is the opening salvo of a brochure being widely distributed to employers of graduates in the service, commercial, industrial and State sectors nationwide. The Society's Law School has taken this proactive step in an attempt to relieve the build-up of pressure within the profession. As a high priority, it is currently attempting to create an awareness amongst employers that solicitors are capable Not alone is this opening of the mind relating to the marketability of solicitors necessary amongst employers, solicitors themselves often have a somewhat limited perception of their own versatility and marketability. Many experience little professional satisfaction in a career choice made at eighteen or twenty years of age. Yet to alter course or move laterally is often misconstrued by themselves and others as an admission that they are 'a failed solicitor'. They feel caught between a rock and a hard place. Feedback to the Law School's Careers Adviser, Hazel Boylan, indicates a very high level of interest in alternative career opportunities. Especially among newly-qualified of meeting a far wider range of challenges in the marketplace.

solicitors whose indentures have expired, there is burgeoning pressure to find other openings or opportunities. To this end, Hazel has run several CV development workshops for solicitors seeking to broaden their options. What she has found is a strong enculturation through their professional training - a strict adherence to the letter of the law which they find not only difficult, but frightening, to break. The workshops have two primary objectives: to offer an opportunity to solicitors to realise their transferable skills; and to provide them with non-technical, everyday language to describe what they do. The brochure for employers poses questions such as: 'How can you identify a person with the ability to understand complex issues such as employers' liability, product liability, contractual obligations and commercial law?' and 'How can you strengthen you negotiations with clients/contractors/suppliers before signing a commitment and be sure that the small print is in your favour and not against you?' It sets out to demonstrate some of the skills and abilities solicitors possess which would enhance any prospective employer's profit or productivity and to encourage potential employers to consider recruiting solicitors because of their wider, added-value professional abilities. D

to me, in addition to a Guide to Complainants, which gives a

picture of how a case will be handled when it arrives on my desk. Copies of the terms of reference are available from me on request.

Pauline Marrinan-Quinn Insurance Ombudsman of Ireland.

Doyle Court Repor ters Principal: Áine O'Farrell

Court and Conference Verbatim Reporting - Specialists in Overnight Transcription Personal Injury Judgements - Mi chae lmas and Trinity Terms 1993 - Now Ready Consultation Room Available 2 , Ar ran Quay, Dubl in 7 . Tel: 8 7 2 2 8 3 3 or 2 8 6 2 0 9 7 (Af t er Hou r s) Fax: 8 7 2 4 4 8 6 TsXcetknce in Sporting since 1954

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