Managing partners of some of Ireland’s top firms tell Ben Haugh about the biggest legal challenges that businesses should be aware of this year.

ACTIVITY

Within the media and tech sector, the Digital Services Act 2024 has had a significant effect by imposing a range of new tiered obligations on providers of services that transmit data on behalf of users combined with very substantial fines for non-compliance under the enforcement of a new regulator, Commisiún na Meán.

Within the betting, lottery, gaming and advertising sectors, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 has brought about significant changes by establishing a new regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, a new licensing regime and new requirements on gambling advertising.

Clients across these sectors have required legal advice on the impact of this legislation on their businesses and there will inevitably be a continuing demand for legal advices and representation as a result of these changes.

CHALLENGES

Retaining and attracting top talent is a key challenge that traverses the legal services industry. We are fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated workforce who choose to join us and remain with us because of our client work and our unique culture and values.

It is one of our single biggest objectives to retain our culture and values as we continue to grow. Keeping pace with advancements in technology around our systems and processes is also a key focus and when properly embraced, can present a significant opportunity to improve productivity and quality of client service delivery.

Within that, we are at the early stages of trialling AI and while it can be operationally challenging, it represents an exciting new development that will increasingly become a focus point.

OUTLOOK

With increased regulation and enforcement being imposed across a range of sectors, particularly in media, technology, gaming and advertising, there will inevitably be a surge in the demand for legal services in these areas.

It is our job to ensure that our clients are properly advised and represented to manage these changes and the implications they bring for their businesses.