The Gazette 1996

GAZETTE

APRIL /MAY 1996

AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers) Annual Conference - 26/30 August 1996 Montreaux, Switzerland The 1996 AIJA Conference takes place in Montreaux, Switzerland, and, as usual, a packed working session and a healthy social programme (including a special children's programme) are on offer. The working sessions include the following topics: • Sports and the Law • Reorganisation of a Company • Technology Transfer • Comparative Analysis of International Business Crime • Trade and Environment • International Transport Law • Legal Costs and Access to Justice Most of the working sessions consist of half day seminars, so it is possible to attend a number of different working sessions during the conference. These conferences are attended by approximately 500/600 delegates, mostly in the 30/40 age bracket and predominantly coming from European countries. In contrast with other international law conferences, those organised by AIJA are noted for their informality and are an ideal way of making contacts with colleagues in foreign law firms. Brochures are available from the Law Society desk at the Four Courts or from Petria McDonnell, McCann FitzGerald, tel: 829 0000, fax: 8290010. pes PFTBOCABGO MAHNE SURVEYORS LID. Capt. Thomas C. Nash M. INST. PET. Marine Consultancy: Independent Marine Surveyors: Vessel & Terminal Safety Inspection; Recruitment; Procedures Manuals. Cooleen House, Rushbrooke, Cobh, Co. Cork. Tel: 021-811677 Fax: 021-813009 Marine Expert Witness; Ship to Ship Transfer;

outline briefly the system of third party independent assessment available in your jurisdiction. We require you to advise fully in relation to all matters relating to the case, including the feasibility of the action being taken. As soon as terms are agreed, we look forward to confirming instructions to you without delay.

We currently estimate the professional fee in the region of £ plus Value Added Tax currently at 21%. In addition to the professional fee there will be items of outlay which will have to be discharged by you. [List items of outlay and exact amoun ts where possible]. In accordance with International Codes of Practice, you would be personally liable for our costs and outlays.

Yours faithfully, X Y & Co.

Acting as Foreign Agent

Once again, thank you for your instructions.

Irish solicitors, when accepting instructions from foreign lawyers, should, in turn, ensure that the terms of their retainer are defined. Section 68 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994 requires that a solicitor should provide all clients, including foreign lawyer firms, with particulars in writing of the actual charges, an estimate, or, where the provision of the actual charges or an estimate is not possible, the basis of charge. Depending on the circumstances, one of the draft letters recently circularised by the Law Society to members would be suitable as a letter of acceptance of retainer by a foreign legal firm. It should be clearly stated that the foreign legal firm will be personally liable for the fees. A draft letter of retainer, where the Irish solicitor is giving an estimate of the charge, is set out below: We thank you for your instructions in connection with the above and we would be pleased to act for you. As discussed, we set out below an estimate of the charges involved in the work which we have agreed to do for you. In the event of our having to carry out additional work, further charges may be incurred. A supplementary estimate will be furnished to you in advance of any such additional charges. Dear Sirs,

Yours faithfully, X Y & C o .

Niall Casey, Chairman, Professional Guidance

Committee

Criminal Legal Aid Scheme - Exceptional Cases in the District Court There is an agreement between the Minister for Justice and the Law Society which provides for the payment of enhanced fees for exceptional cases which are heard before the District Court or on appeal to the Circuit Court. The full text of the agreement was published in the Gazette in December 1994. Please note that if you wish to claim an enhanced fee for an exceptional case, you should send your claim to the Courts Division of the Department of Justice at 72/76 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 and not to the Finance Division in Killarney. You should also clearly specify your basis for making the claim when your claim is lodged.

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If you have any queries, please contact Patricia Casey at the Law Society.

Criminal Law Committee

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