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

We act for a significant number of charities and the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 will involve significant changes for charities and particularly when SORP Reporting requirements under Section 48 are introduced.

We have expanded our team dealing with charities and are continuing to grow in this area.

INNOVATION

The firm was successful in the recent OGP tender for Public Services Contracts between €50,000 and €100,000 and was appointed to that panel in January.

We are now looking at integrating AI into our case management systems and knowledge management to provide expanded services to both our existing clients and new clients. To deliver cost effective savings to our clients.

CHALLENGES

The principal challenges have been in the area of managing growth and the taking on of additional solicitors and support staff to keep up with demand.

Over the last two years we have seen a 15% to 20% growth per annum in work and keeping up with this growth has been our key challenge.

OUTLOOK

AI is having a significant impact on commercial law. We are increasingly seeing clients coming to us with initial draft terms.

It’s less about reinventing the wheel but instead they are seeking common sense advice and want to ensure they have their key concerns addressed, to enable them get the deal done quickly and to move on.