POPULARITY
Categories
In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” Joining Pat on this week's ‘Ask The Expert' is former president of the Law Society, John Costello, of Noble Law Solicitors in Dundrum. John is a wills, inheritance and probate expert, here to answer your questions.
MONEY FM 89.3 - Prime Time with Howie Lim, Bernard Lim & Finance Presenter JP Ong
More than 200 members of Singapore’s legal fraternity gathered behind closed doors to debate the Law Society’s handling of an internal audit that found “significant failings” in leadership, workplace culture and governance. With more than 100 lawyers calling for the full report to be released, questions are growing over what the summary leaves out, whether the investigation was sufficiently independent, and whether this has become a crisis of confidence in the Law Society’s leadership. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Clarence Lun, Managing Director at Fervent Chambers LLC, to share more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the legal profession's newest tool collides with its oldest duty…the duty not to mislead? Gavin Tighe and Stephen Thiele dissect Mazaheri v Law Society of Ontario, 2026 ONLSTH 112, the first case in which "hallucinated" AI-generated authorities were placed before the Law Society Tribunal. A suspended Ontario lawyer, fighting to regain his licence amid mortgage fraud allegations, filed motion materials drafted by generative AI, complete with cases that don't exist, and was hit with a record $31,150 full indemnity costs award. This episode of the Canadian law podcast examines professional regulation, the reliability of AI legal research, and where negligence ends and dishonesty begins. Listeners will come away understanding why, in the Canadian legal system, responsibility for what goes before a tribunal can never be outsourced to a machine. Listen For:5:19 How did hallucinated cases end up before the Law Society Tribunal?7:02 How widespread is the misuse of AI in North American courts?15:03 What does the decision explain about how large language models work?16:50 Why did the Tribunal award full indemnity costs of $31,150?21:30 When does negligent AI use become dishonesty before a tribunal? Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Contact UsGardiner Roberts website | Gavin email | Stephen email
The Law Society of Ireland held a national criminal defence solicitors meeting today after a long running dispute over the legal aid flat rate fee. Yesterday, criminal defence solicitors in Dublin overwhelmingly agreed to continue into next month with their withdrawal of services over opposition to the payment model. Meanwhile, Tipperary is just down to one solicitor to take on free legal aid cases after 33 others in the county resigned.Maura Derivan, a member of the Tipperary Solicitors' Bar Association and former President of the Law Society joins Shane to discuss.
One word can change everything when it comes from a legal regulator. We dig into the BC Law Society's mandatory Indigenous education course, the controversy over how it described the Kamloops Residential School site, and why some lawyers pushed to add a qualifier like “potential” when claims have not been independently confirmed. When that request was publicly framed as racist and then amplified through the Law Society's own channels, the dispute escalated into a defamation lawsuit and ended with a settlement that included revised course wording, removed material, and a carefully worded public statement.From there, we zoom out to the bigger Canadian legal questions sitting behind the headlines: how professional regulators should communicate, how accusations of racism should be made responsibly, and what it would mean if governments moved toward criminalizing “residential school denialism” as hate speech. It's a conversation about truth claims, harm, and the risks of turning contested facts into mandatory orthodoxy.We also break down a BC Adoption Act decision that shows how consent really works when a step-parent adoption is opposed by a biological parent. A nine-year-old's views, a father's substance-use struggles, and the court's “best interests of the child” analysis collide in a ruling that legally severs one relationship while still urging space for connection when it's safe, and the child wants it. If you care about Canadian law, family law, defamation, and freedom of expression, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review with your take on where the line should be.Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.
Courts reporter Vivienne Traynor reports on the changes to the controversial new criminal legal aid scheme, following a meeting between the Justice Minister and the Law Society.
Cork-based solicitor, Tom Coughlan reacts to the latest developments in the criminal legal aid payment dispute.
Tomorrow Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will meet with Law Society of Ireland representatives to discuss the ongoing dispute over fees in the free criminal legal aid system. With neither side backing down, three more days of walk outs are due to take place from Tuesday. Fiachra was joined by Cork-based criminal solicitor Frank Buttimer.
When a defendant in a court case is granted legal aid, the State pays. Before a reform of the payment system introduced on July 1st, solicitors could bill the Department of Justice €239.38 for their first appearance in court for their client and €59.86 for each subsequent one. The invoice is called a legal aid certificate.Defendants frequently face multiple charges that are heard together in the same sitting. Before July 1st, the solicitor could invoice for each charge, meaning multiple payments for each client. In the past 18 months more than 100 cases involved at least 10 invoices being sent to the Department concerning individual clients whose charges were dealt with together or in quick succession before the District Court.In the reform of the payment system, solicitors will now receive a flat fee of €520 per criminal legal aid client.Many solicitors on the legal aid panel have rejected this new payment model, and withdrew their services for two days this week.The Minister says he will meet the Law Society to discuss its concerns about payment reforms, but as he has previously said the reforms will stay, is there any hope of resolution?Irish Times political correspondent Cormac McQuinn explains.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bongani Bingwa speaks with Legal Expert from University of Johannesburg's Law Society, Elton Hart, to reflect on a dramatic week in South Africa's courts and commissions, with some of the country's most powerful and controversial figures taking centre stage. From former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula finally gone on trial, facing corruption and money laundering charges over allegations she accepted millions of rand in bribes while serving as Defence Minister; to the Johannesburg High Court, where alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala is fighting for his freedom as his attempted murder trial unfolds; to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, with all eyes are on Andrea Johnson, the head of the IDAC, as she faces tough questions over the controversial investigation into former Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and allegations of political interference and abuse of power; and in Parliament, another high-stakes battle unfolding with President Cyril Ramaphosa's future remaining under scrutiny as the impeachment committee wrestles with the Phala Phala. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, discusses the ongoing pay dispute with free legal aid solicitors and new rules on e-scooters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Nkabinde Inquiry has found South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke fit to hold office. The panel found no credible evidence that Advocate Chauke made improper prosecutorial decisions in the Cato Manor matter or acted unlawfully in his coordination duties. It also ruled his decision to provisionally withdraw charges against former Crime Intelligence head General Richard Mdluli was not irrational. We spoke to Machini Motloung, President of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA).
The Bangkok Podcast | Conversations on Life in Thailand's Buzzing Capital
After a recent wave of news headlines highlighting government crackdowns on things as varied as fake paternity scams and cheating civil servants, Greg and Ed begin by asking whether Thailand is finally enforcing the rule of law in any meaningful way. Greg points to changes in visa policy, noting that authorities reduced visa-free stays after discovering widespread abuse from visitors working illegally. Next, Ed brings up the crackdown on illegal nominee company ownership, pointing to cases where foreign nationals set up front businesses using fake Thai shareholders to bypass local laws. Moving to healthcare scandals, Ed highlights an investigation into multiple hospitals involving a birth record scam where foreign women paid local men to falsely claim paternity. Greg then transitions to a massive cheating scandal in the civil service, where thousands of local officials face dismissal after paying bribes to pass government employment exams. Next, the conversation turns to a tragic nightclub fire, which Greg uses to illustrate that while strict laws exist on paper, consistent enforcement remains a persistent problem without public pressure. Finally, Greg shares a personal experience to show that enforcement efforts may indeed be increasing. He describes how an immigration officer conducted an unexpected spot check at his office to verify his employment, forcing him to appear in person at the immigration bureau to prove his status, something he has never experienced during his decades in the country. The guys conclude that something certainly SEEMS different about recent law enforcement efforts, but only time will tell if real change is afoot.
Tralee solicitor Pat Mann is president of the Kerry Law Society. Jerry spoke to him about the dispute over changes to criminal legal aid payments which came into effect on July 1st. Hundreds of solicitors have said they will resign immediately from the Criminal Legal Aid panel.
Paul Baccanello FIVEAA Sports Reporter Tom Rehn Susan Belperio, Citizen scientist Bureau Of Meteorology / SAPOL Craig Caldicott, Law Society of SA Criminal Law Committee Co-Chair Phil Coorey, Australian Financial Review Political Editor Leanne Saunders, SA Film Corporation Head of Production, and film producer Rhiannon Pearce, Minister for Sport, Recreation & Racing John Kernahan, Adelaide Footy League CEO Leesa ScanlanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Craig Caldicott, Law Society of SA Criminal Law Committee Co-Chair joins Will & Stacey on FIVEAA Breakfast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Justice shouldn't be determined by your postcode, yet for many people across regional and remote NSW, that remains the reality. In this episode, Ronan MacSweeney and Danielle Ford examine the growing access-to-justice gap, the barriers facing communities outside metropolitan areas, and why action to address the issue cannot wait. In a recent episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Grace Robbie speaks with Ronan MacSweeney, president of the Law Society of NSW, and Dannielle Ford, president of the Central West Regional Law Society and director solicitor at Cheney Suthers Lawyers, about the current state of access to justice in regional and remote NSW, as well as the real-world consequences communities face due to limited infrastructure investment outside metropolitan areas. The discussion also reflects on a recent two-day forum in Orange, which brought together more than 20 leading legal professionals from across NSW to confront the challenges facing regional and remote communities, the growing pressures on practitioners outside metropolitan areas, and the factors driving fewer lawyers to regional practice. It highlights the urgent areas requiring investment and attention, stresses the importance of NSW taking a long-term approach to planning for regional legal services, and calls for more lawyers to consider the rewarding career opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and community impact that come with practising in regional and remote areas. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au
Are Singapore’s lawyers doing ok? The Legal Profession Sustainability Study, which was released on June 23, suggests that lawyers were leaving the profession because of toxic bosses, inflexible court timelines, punishing deadlines and the constant need to be available 24/7. These are just some of the grievances aired in the study, which had 31 in-depth interviews with former judges, legal academics and lawyers from diverse types of firms. There was also a survey done with 855 practising and former lawyers. What is the cost of becoming a lawyer in Singapore, and is it worth it any more? If these issues have been raised for more than 30 years, will this study change anything? In this episode, I speak with: • Zhang Yu Fu, a junior lawyer at Dentons Rodyk, who was called to the bar in April 2026 and took part in the study, and • Wong Yi, the General Counsel for construction company Lum Chang Holdings, and previously worked for one of Singapore’s Big Four law firms. He was also the chairman of the Young Lawyers Committee for The Law Society of Singapore from 2014 to 2019. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:23 A decades-old problem that hasn’t changed 4:50 “What’s so wrong with being a strawberry?”: Yu Fu 10:28 Trained through “sheer obedience” 15:08 How young lawyers navigate bad bosses 17:06 Any incentive for senior lawyers to change? 21:13 Generational gap between older and younger lawyers 28:34 Judge wants lawyers to drink from a straw 32:55 “Role models” for working through childbirth 34:44 No real consequences for workplace bullying 37:18 Why lawyers leaving the profession matters 40:40 “Why can’t we do better?”: Yu Fu Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg) Read Natasha’s articles: https://str.sg/iSXm Follow The Usual Place podcast on IG: https://str.sg/8KNT Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN Filmed by: Studio+65 Edited by: Eden Soh & Natasha Liew Executive producer: Danson Cheong Producers: Natasha Ann Zachariah, Elizabeth Law & Zachary Lim Follow The Usual Place Podcast and get notified for new episode drops every Thursday: Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX -- #tup #tuptrfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The NATO Summit took place in Turkey this week and, on paper at least, the summit ended with a message of solidarity, with NATO allies including Trump, affirming their “ironclad commitment” to collective defence under the alliance's Article 5 pact in a summit declaration.Joining Shane to discuss this is Rose Gottemoeller, former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, who is in Dublin for the Law Society of Ireland's Summer School 2026, which is taking place today and tomorrow.
In this episode, I'm joined by three leaders working at the highest levels of legal practice and regulation.Brett Dixon, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales and a long-time advocate for access to justice, legal innovation, and procedural reform.William Findlay, Head of Legal Regulatory at Revolut.James Smither, Global Head of Risk Management at Freshfields. James is a self-described "risk geek" dedicated to redefining how law firms perceive uncertainty as both a massive upside and a critical downside.We explore one of the biggest questions facing the legal profession: where should AI stop and human judgement begin?From algorithmic bias and hallucinations to governance, legal risk, and the future of common law, this conversation goes far beyond productivity tools. We discuss why the flexibility of human judgement remains one of the legal system's greatest strengths and what could be lost if we hand too much decision-making to machines.You'll hear perspectives on AI, justice, legal ethics, risk management, and the future of legal practice that most lawyers aren't talking about yet.---Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Heart Of The Matter - A Podcast On Legal Developments From Around The World
John Lee, lawyer with Hong Kong law firm Angela Wang & Co, breaks down what happens when cryptocurrency, NFTs, and tokenized assets collide with the law.Carefully unpacking five categories of digital assets, John explains why Bitcoin and Ethereum operate so differently from stablecoins pegged to reserve assets. He walks through Hong Kong's evolving regulatory stance, including the SFC's 2023 licensing system and the HKMA's 2025 stablecoin regime. The landmark Re Bitcoin case from 2023 is particularly illuminating (it established digital assets as a valid third category of property under common law).Because digital assets don't fit neatly into traditional property classifications, disputes around ownership, insolvency, and cross-border jurisdiction are growing more complex. John makes a compelling case for arbitration as the smarter resolution path, offering confidentiality, flexibility, and access to specialized arbitrators who actually understand blockchain technology.Our GuestJohn Y.C. LeeJohn is a solicitor admitted in Hong Kong and England & Wales, independent arbitrator and accredited mediator. He is a graduate of London University and has about 25 years of legal practice experience including as past partner and head of dispute resolution group of a major law firm. His main areas of practice are commercial arbitration, litigation, risk management, advisory and related areas. He has handled commercial and civil cases including investment claims, company / shareholder disputes, construction claims, insolvency cases, competition law matters, intellectual property claims, land related disputes etc. He is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators. He serves as a risk management education tutor (part-time appointment of the Law Society of Hong Kong), Editorial Board member of the Solicitors' Guide to Professional Conduct, a member of the Law Society Arbitration Committee and the Arbitration Panel, and a member of the Law Society Risk Management Education Accreditation Sub-Committee. He was appointed on the DOJ Working Group on ORFSA Checklists.Our HostAjay ShamdasaniAjay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law.His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters' subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.
Every time a solicitor represents an accused person in the District Court they are paid €239 for the first day in court and €59 for every subsequent day in court. They don't get paid for any preparatory work or administration costs. The government wishes to settle on a new bulk payment of around €455 irrespective of how long or how short the case lasts. Joe discuss this more with Gary Mulchrone who works for Walsh Solicitors and sits on the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society.
In this episode, I'm talking with Brett Dixon, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales and a long-time advocate for access to justice, legal innovation, and procedural reform.Brett brings a unique perspective from both frontline legal practice and legal policymaking, offering a thoughtful view on how AI should - and shouldn't - be integrated into the justice system.We explore one of the biggest questions facing the legal profession today: can AI strengthen access to justice without undermining trust in the legal system?Brett shares why integrity, transparency, and human oversight must remain at the centre of any AI-driven future, and explains why he prefers to think of AI as augmented intelligence rather than artificial intelligence.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the UK legal system's reputation depends on maintaining transparency and accountability.The dangers of AI hallucinations in legal practice and how lawyers can spot them.Why human judgment remains essential in courts and legal decision-making.How AI can improve access to justice without replacing lawyers.The risks of bias in AI systems and how training data shapes outcomes.Why common law relies on human creativity and legal evolution.What regulation of legal AI may look like in the coming years.The growing divide between large firms adopting AI rapidly and smaller firms struggling with resources.Why the future of legal services is likely to be AI-assisted rather than AI-replaced.How law firms can approach AI strategically while protecting client trust.The future of legal AI isn't about removing humans from the process.It's about using technology to enhance human expertise while preserving the principles that make justice work: integrity, transparency, accountability, and access for everyone.As Brett argues, the legal profession has always been full of problem-solvers and innovators. The challenge now is ensuring AI serves those values rather than replacing them.---Each week I take what I'm hearing in conversations with legal leaders.I analyze the market and track emerging trends in this AI era.In my newsletter called The Future Lawyer Market Intel for the AI eraI'm focused on:What AI is exposingThe opportunitiesThe blind spotsAnd the shifts shaping the next five years.This is how you see the chessboard before everyone else does:https://hollycope.my.canva.site/thefuturelawyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the pressure high achievers put on themselves and the fears that often drive that pressure beneath the surface. My guest this week is Brendan Cournane, attorney, endurance athlete and author of Seeking Serenity.Brendan shares stories from his decades in law, including the decision to close a major deal on the same day his daughter was born because he feared being seen as unavailable or less committed. He reflects on how stress, expectations and the need to prove ourselves can shape the choices we make at work and in life.In our conversation, we explore the connection between fear and overachievement, why asking for help feels so difficult for many professionals and how self-awareness helps us respond more intentionally under pressure. Brendan also shares why he believes harmony is a more useful goal than balance. Finally, we discuss the role expectations play in impostor syndrome and why understanding our motives, fears and core values is essential to finding greater clarity, steadiness and fulfillment.About My GuestBrendan Cournane is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and world-class endurance coach with over 35 years of expertise. After finding his path to recovery in 1989 and discovering the transformative power of running through qualifying for the 100th Boston Marathon in 1995, Brendan learned that mindfulness practice and being true to oneself are integral to achieving happiness and success. He believes and practices the philosophy that “Happiness is a present attitude, not a future condition.”As Chairperson of the Chicago Bar Association Committee on Lawyer Well-Being and Mindfulness and Co-President of the Mindfulness in the Law Society, Illinois Chapter, Brendan specializes in helping professionals facing stress, transition, and burnout. He has been a training coach for charity marathon teams participating in races around the world, including Chicago, Marine Corps, Disney, Dublin, Rome, Paris, London, Stockholm, Berlin, Tokyo, and Antarctica.Through his professional development coaching practice, speaking engagements, and training programs, Brendan offers his lived experience, strength, and hope as a catalyst for others seeking to live healthy, fulfilling lives while maintaining balance in even the most challenging times.~Connect with Brendan:Website: https://www.coachbrendan.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brendan-cournane-professional-development-coaching~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://www.kimmeninger.com
For this week's Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Áine Hynes, Senior Counsel Solicitor and Chair of the Law Society task force for Mental Health Law & Capacity Law, and author of ‘Irish Legal Capacity and Assisted Decision Making', to discuss everything you should know about a Power of Attorney.
In this week's podcast, Property Elite's Abigail Blumzon hosts Katie Corbett and Karl Brown in a discussion about social mobility and the property & construction industry.Katie is a Social Value & EDI Manager at Bray & Slaughter, as well as being the Women in Property South West DEI Champion and holding a MSc in Equality & Human Rights.In her own words; With experience on both the consultancy and contractor sides of the industry, and an MSc in Equality and Human Rights, I bring a practical and informed approach to social value and EDI delivery. In my current role, I lead strategies that embed impact and inclusion into projects – managing partnerships, planning, delivery, progress reporting throughout the lifecycle, and final project reporting. Alongside this, I serve as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion for the Women in Property South West Committee, where I advocate for industry-wide inclusion by organising events and initiatives across Bristol.Karl is a Partner at Clarke Willmott, a Business Fellow at UWE, a Social Mobility Ambassador to the Law Society and the Chairperson of the Bristol Property Inclusion Commission.The Commission consists of representatives from the Bristol property industry and supports the implementation of the Bristol Property Inclusion Charter. Karl founded and launched the Charter in November 2019 to be a vehicle to promote and drive diversity and inclusion in the Bristol property industry/sector. Many thanks also go to Ytzen van der Werf, Programme Leader MSc Real Estate Finance & Investment at UWE Bristol, who helped to set up this insightful discussion.
Registration is now open for the Law Society's latest free online course exploring the fast-evolving world of social media, artificial intelligence (AI) and the law, with over 2,200 participants already signed up. Open to anyone with an interest in tech and legal innovation – and its real-world impact – the new on-demand course starts on Tuesday 9 June 2026. This year's course will provide participants with an insight into the rapidly developing impact and intersection of Social Media, AI and the Law, offering an overview of recent advancements, delving into issues surrounding liability, regulation, privacy and data protection, social media bans, cybercrime, and ecommerce. It will also explore the considerable impact on our work environment and daily lives including digital manipulation and surveillance. President of the Law Society, Rosemarie Loftus, said: "The Law Society is proud to deliver this year's course on Social Media, AI and the Law. As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, understanding its impact and how this intersects with social media use, society, business, and the legal world is no longer optional. "Delivered by expert speakers with engaging content, this course will help participants become more informed about liability, risk, regulation, and the implications of using AI in our modern online world. "Whether you are already working in the legal sector, retired or in education, this course is open to anyone, anywhere. All participants will learn how to navigate social media and AI both ethically and responsibly, which will be of benefit to you and wider society." Expert speakers, lawyers, public figures and academics will review the current state of play, demystify concerns, discuss the potential impact in the coming years, and much more. The course will be addressed by guest speakers, including: Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán Aisling Kelly, Head of Cybercrime Division at the Council of Europe Prof. Terry Flew, Professor of Digital Communication & Culture, The University of Sydney; Co-Director of the Centre for AI, Trust and Governance Owen Bennett, International digital policy expert; former Head of Online Safety Ofcom Nicola Byrne, Founder, RiskEye; Executive Chair, SaferSocial Paul Delahunty, Chief Information Security Officer, Stryve Dr. Lollie Mancey, Anthropologist, Futurist and Innovation Advocate Philip Andrews, SC, Andrews Law Carlo Salizzo, Partner, Dentons Kieran Kelly, Partner, Flynn O'Driscoll Shane English BL Clare Daly, Legal Advisor, Tusla Hazel McDwyer, Partner, Mason Hayes and Curran Maureen Daly, Partner and Head of Intellectual property, data protection and AI department, Reddy Charlton LLP Simon McGarr, Solicitor, McGarr Solicitors Public legal education Each year, the Law Society brings free legal education to members of the public through its Massive Open Online Course. Since 2014, the annual five-week courses have attracted over 41,200 participants from 119 countries with a record-breaking 7,064 participants signed up last year. This year's Social Media, AI and the Law course features online recorded and streamed presentations, together with interactive discussion forums and quizzes that allow participants to engage directly with expert presenters. The course is on-demand making it easy for participants to catch up at any stage with new course content released every Tuesday. For more information and to register, visit: https://mooc2026.lawsociety.ie/ The Law Society of Ireland has representative, regulatory and educational functions in respect of the solicitors' profession. It delivers high-quality legal education and training, encourages and supports the highest professional standards, and places significant emphasis on civic engagement, supporting local community initiatives and driving diversity and inclusion within the profession. Law Society website: www.lawsociety.ie See more breaking stories here. Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Onl...
A locked gate at a kids' camp sounds like a small-town nuisance until you trace it back to 1935 and forward to a trial date in 2027. We dig into a Greater Victoria dispute where companies say a historic public road, sometimes labelled Settlers Road or Glints Lake Road, should let them pass through Camp Thunderbird to reach adjacent land for a cell phone antenna. The twist is procedural: the lawsuit has dragged on since 2010, and the YMCA tries to have it tossed for want of prosecution after roughly 15 years of delay. We break down how BC Supreme Court judges weigh “inordinate delay”, excuses, presumed prejudice, and the interests of justice when time itself starts changing the evidence. Then we pivot to a criminal law problem that hits even harder. Police recorded an interview where a key witness allegedly recanted, the investigation was closed, and years later the allegation returned with charges. The recording that could test credibility is gone. We unpack Charter section 7 disclosure rights, the duty to preserve evidence, and the line between an abusive process and “unacceptable negligence”, plus why the remedy often depends on how the rest of the trial unfolds. We close with a Law Society discipline case involving client identification rules, anti money laundering safeguards, and a pro bono lawyer caught in the system. The fine gets overturned on judicial review, but the Court of Appeal blocks special costs against the Law Society, raising tough questions about accountability when a tribunal gets it wrong. If you value smart legal analysis grounded in real BC cases, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What part of these rulings sits wrong with you?Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.
Content Warning: love fraud, intimate fraud, financial fraud, gun violence, and robbery.Tracy Hall is a mother, author, speaker, business marketing expert, and victim of financial and intimate fraud from Australia. After a series of traumatic events and life changes, Tracy found herself unexpectedly single in her early 40's. Although she had a full life, she sought an activity partner to grow with. That's when she met Max Tavita, a Bondi Beach businessman with an active lifestyle and a deepening love for Tracy. Over the next year and a half, he would carefully cultivate a relationship that promised to fulfill all of Tracy's romantic, personal, and even financial dreams. However, it would all come toppling down upon his December 2017 arrest, which brought the realization that Max - whose real name was Hamish - wasn't who he said he was. Since navigating a long criminal justice process, sharing her story via podcast, book, and beyond, Tracy has made it her mission to bring awareness to the intricacies and stigmas of intimate fraud. The Broken Cycle Media team is immensely grateful for Tracy's openness, expertise, and advocacy.Tracy's Website: https://tracyhall.com.au/Tracy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyleehall/Tracy's Media Language Guide: https://tracyhall.com.au/resourcesThe Last Victim in paperback: https://amzn.to/4ngzQbnThe Last Victim in Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4tZhezxWho the Hell is Hamish?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-the-hell-is-hamish/id1451470931Sources:- “Conman Hamish McLaren Jailed for up to 16 Years after Swindling $7.6m from Victims.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 20 June 2019, www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/20/conman-hamish-mclaren-jailed-for-up-to-16-years-after-swindling-76m-from-victims- “Early Appropriate Guilty Pleas.” The Law Society of New South Wales, www.lawsociety.com.au/resources/resources/my-practice-area/criminal-law/early-appropriate-guilty-pleas. For a list of additional resources and related non-profit organizations, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resources Thank you again to Quince and Rula for sponsoring this episode. Don't forget to head to quince.com/wcn for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. And for quality therapy that's covered by insurance, don't forget to visit rula.com/wcn to get started. You deserve mental healthcare that works with you, not against your budget.
The Law Society is warning there needs to be stronger safeguards to ensure proposed new powers for police won't clamp down on political protest. Phil Pennington reports.
One day ago, at approximately 11:30, two Jewish men were stabbed by a stranger on a street in a Jewish neighborhood in London. Had private community guards not been on the scene then the outcome would certainly have been much worse. It took police four minutes to arrive on the scene. And when they did one of them realized that he had forgotten his taser gun in the car. UK police officers are not armed. Seriously.Just hours before dropping this podcast, the UK Daily Telegraph published an exclusive story that the suspect, Essa Suleiman, is a 45-year-old Somali immigrant to the UK with previous convictions for violent crime, including the stabbing of at least one police officer and his canine partner. Mr. Suleiman served prison time and was referred in 2020 to a government run “counter-extremism” prevention program but as the Telegraph reports, “his case was closed later that year.” Exactly what that means is unclear. What is clear is that Mr. Suleiman was known to law enforcement and they clearly had formed a view that he may be a political or other extremist. He is believed to be associated with a terror organization supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran.London. Melbourne. Sydney. Toronto. Manchester. Montreal. Something is very wrong in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Very wrong. In today's podcast we have a detailed discussion with Mark Sandler, a criminal lawyer based in Toronto who has acted as counsel in countless cases as well as more than 20 public inquiries. The depth and breadth of his experience is seriously impressive. These days, Sandler acts as chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, a group of more than 70 organizations that have come together to voice their profound concern with the state of civil society in the country. Sandler seems to be everywhere - especially since October 7. He is a force of nature. I learned so much from speaking with Sandler and he confirmed many of my deepest concerns regarding the reasons that Jew hatred is so prevalent in Canada. It didn't just “happen.” It's a direct result of weak leadership, at best. At worst, it is due to institutional antisemitism. In another episode some time I hope to sink my teeth into why these issues seem to be manifesting in such an extreme way in the UK, Canada, and Australia.Update: As we finalize this podcast news came in that the UK just raised the threat level to severe, one notch below critical - the highest. Government is saying that it is related in part to the Golders Green attack. But there is more in the mix.In the podcast notes I have included links to previous State of Tel Aviv and Beyond podcasts and episodes that are directly relevant and may be of interest to you.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivMark Sandler, LL.B., LL.D. (honoris causa), ALCCA's Chair, is widely recognized as one of Canada's leading criminal lawyers and pro bono advocates. He has been involved in combatting antisemitism for over 40 years. He has lectured extensively on legal remedies to combat hate and has promoted respectful Muslim-Jewish, Sikh-Jewish and Black-Jewish dialogues. He has appeared before Parliamentary committees and in the Supreme Court of Canada on multiple occasions on issues relating to antisemitism and hate activities. He is a former member of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, a three-time elected Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, and recipient of the criminal profession's highest honor, the G. Arthur Martin Medal, for his contributions to the administration of criminal justice.Podcast Notes:* Home page for Alliance of Canadians Combatting AntisemitismThis site is a trove of superb material documenting the ongoing efforts of this coalition to combat antisemitism in Canada: alcca.ca* Previous State of Tel Aviv and Beyond episodes directly relevant to the issues discussed in this podcastState of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe
A court system can have the best rules on paper and still grind to a halt when there is nowhere to hold people. We start with a fresh BC Supreme Court practice direction aimed at a problem that's been building quietly across the province: accused people denied bail in communities with no correctional facility close enough to support a long trial. When daily transport is impossible and police detachments refuse to function as ad hoc jails, judges are left making hard calls that affect fairness, public safety and the Charter right to a trial within a reasonable time. From chartered flights to the limits of small-town holding cells, we talk through why this is happening and what the court is now requiring through pretrial hearings. We also break down the real-world outcomes on the table: adjournments that risk delay arguments, moving trials away from the community where allegations arose, or releasing an accused from custody simply so the trial can proceed without collapsing under logistics. If you care about access to justice in British Columbia, this is where policy meets reality. Then we turn to one of the biggest legal governance fights in BC right now: the constitutional challenge to the Legal Professions Act and the future of the Law Society of British Columbia. We dig into the idea of an independent bar as an unwritten constitutional principle, why that independence gives meaning to an independent judiciary, and what it could mean when legislation steers a legal regulator toward government priorities like UNDRIP while adding new approval structures and expanding appointment power. The trial decision lets the law stand for now, but the stakes are high and the next stop is likely the Court of Appeal. Subscribe for more Canadian legal analysis, share this with someone who follows BC politics, and leave a review to help others find the show. What's the bigger risk here: justice delayed by logistics or independence weakened by design?Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.
In this episode, Candice sits down with Tracy Ward, founder and president of Forward Talent Strategies, a boutique HR consulting firm that helps businesses strengthen their people strategy, build strong workplace cultures, and create environments where employees can truly thrive. With a background in HR leadership, organizational development, and talent strategy, Tracy brings deep insight into what it takes to align people, purpose, and performance. In this episode, they discuss: Why company culture must be intentional and clearly defined from the top down How misalignment in values leads to hiring and retention challenges The role leadership plays in modeling and reinforcing culture daily How onboarding experiences shape an employee's long-term engagement Why employees want to feel part of something bigger than just a job How feedback, communication, and listening improve retention and morale The impact of purpose-driven work and philanthropy on team connection This episode is a powerful reminder that culture is not just something you talk about. It's something you live, build, and reinforce through every action, every hire, and every conversation! About Tracy Ward: Tracy Ward is Founder & President of Forward Talent Strategies, a boutique HR consulting company that partners with businesses to strengthen their HR strategy and HR practices, develop their organizational vision, and build programs to attract, engage and retain top talent. Tracy previously held HR executive roles with oversight of Human Resources, Organizational Development and Risk Management, and is passionate about helping companies cultivate positive workplace cultures and environments for employees to thrive. Tracy has a degree in Sociology with minor in Law & Society from the University of California, San Diego, and holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), California (PHRca) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certifications. Tracy serves on the Board for SDHR Forum, is active in ProVisors, serving on the Executive Committee for the Human Capital group and Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and volunteers as a resume coach for the Veterans Career Transition Assistance Program. https://forwardtalentstrategies.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-ward-shrm-scp/ https://www.instagram.com/forwardtalentstrategies ----- Connect with Candice Snyder! Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/ Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation
Yesterday, Enoch Burke's mother, Martina, and sister, Ammi were arrested at Castlerea prison on foot of a court order for contempt of court. Leaving one question on everyone's mind, with two more members of the Burke family arrested. What are the next steps for the legal system? All to discuss with Stuart Gilhooly, Solicitor and Past President of the Law Society of Ireland.
Stuart Gilhooly, former president of the Law Society, outlines the body's criticism of the Motor Insurance Transparency Code.
Two neighbouring provinces are running a live experiment on professional regulation, and the results could shape how Canadians think about law societies, licensing bodies, and government power. We walk through British Columbia's Legal Professions Act changes, including the shift in what the Law Society is being asked to prioritize, and how that ties into disputes over mandatory cultural competency and sensitivity training for lawyers.Then we cross into Alberta, where Bill 13, the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, lands like a hard reset. The law sets out a “neutrality” framework that rejects assigning privilege or disadvantage based on enumerated personal characteristics or beliefs, and it specifically blocks regulators from mandating training on topics like cultural competency, unconscious bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Put beside BC's approach, it's a stark policy split, and it raises a bigger question: what happens to independent regulation when politics starts writing the regulator's mission?We also shift to criminal law and a case with an ordinary trigger and an extraordinary outcome. A dispute over an e-bike, a shove, a fall, and a death days later led to a manslaughter conviction, with the key issue being defence of property under Criminal Code section 35, not self-defence. We unpack the “reasonable in the circumstances” standard, the modified objective test, and why appeals courts usually won't redo a trial judge's judgment call.If you care about legal rights, regulatory independence, Canadian criminal law, and where “reasonable force” really sits in practice, this one will stay with you. Subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review, then tell us: should governments ever steer professional regulators this directly?Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.
The Government's new voluntary Motor Insurance Transparency Code falls short on real openness and shields insurers' massive profits while drivers pay the price. That's the view of the Law Society, whose spokesperson and Past President Stuart Gilhooly spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Why does funding legal advice matter and how law affects everyone in society and why delays in courts and overcrowded prisons are becoming a serious problem. Alma-Constance and Lucinda explore what's happening inside the UK's justice system with Richard Atkinson, criminal defence solicitor with more than 30 years' experience and the 180th President of the Law Society of England and Wales. In this episode we discussWhy criminal trials are now scheduled four years into the future, what prison overcrowding means for justiceWhy legal aid is such an important public serviceHow early legal advice can prevent problems in areas like housing and family lifeWhether the age of criminal responsibility should be raisedThe importance of investing in courts, lawyers and modern technologyRichard also shares a powerful story from his career defending children and young people and that when he was 10 years old he wanted to be an RAF pilot and fly fast jets!Together we discuss how the justice system works, why funding matters, and how law affects everyone in society — even if we don't think about it every day.As always, Kids Law helps young people understand how laws affect them — and how they can shape the future.If you have worries or need support:Childline: 0800 1111 (free confidential advice for under 18)Visit: www.kidslaw.infoPlease subscribe, rate and share the podcast — and keep your brilliant questions coming.ResourcesRichard Atkinson LinkedInRichard Atkinson with Law Society GazetteThe Law SocietyTuckers SolicitorsIf you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!
A hyperlink and headline can change the stakes of a professional disagreement. We talk through a Victoria-based defamation lawsuit against the Law Society of British Columbia after a lawyer proposes changing mandatory Indigenous cultural competency training language about the Kamloops residential school from an asserted discovery of 215 bodies to wording focused on potential unmarked burial sites. When the Law Society links to a statement titled “Racist Resolution,” the dispute moves from policy and training content into reputational harm, defamation law, and what it means for a regulator to speak publicly during controversy. From there, we dig into the mechanics that actually drive cases forward: pleadings, applications to strike “scandalous” material, and why a judge would order certain loaded words removed before a jury trial. We also connect the litigation to bigger governance questions in BC, including the Legal Professions Act and the push to embed reconciliation and UNDRIP implementation into the Law Society's core duties, alongside concerns about preserving the independence of the legal profession from government control. Then we switch gears to a surprisingly human problem with very real dollars attached: a liveaboard boat owner dies, the vessel sits in a Victoria marina for months, and the marina uses lien legislation under the Commercial Liens Act to secure payment and move toward sale. We unpack what counts as “storage,” why shore power can be essential, and how a redacted legal bill can backfire when a judge needs evidence to assess fairness and avoid double recovery. If you care about Canadian defamation law, lawyer regulation in British Columbia, Indigenous reconciliation policy, UNDRIP, or practical disputes like marina liens and moorage fees, you'll want to hear how these decisions get made. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, leave a review, and tell us: when institutions speak, how careful do they have to be with their words?Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.
Since 2014, women have made up the majority of solicitors in Ireland, and that number continues to grow each year, with female solicitors now also forming the majority of trainees entering the profession. Across the country, women are building successful legal careers while contributing to thriving local communities. This year, the Law Society is encouraging female leaders in the solicitors' profession to share their stories, spark conversation and influence other women seeking careers in law. To share their stories, Alan Morrisey was joined in-studio by Avril Collentine, Solicitor at Cahir & Co. Solicitors and Clare Barry, Secretary of Clare Law Association. Image © Clare FM
In Episode 123, we explain the new agreement between Canada and the Musqueam Nation recognizing Aboriginal title in Greater Vancouver. Plus, we discuss the new mandatory Indigenous cultural course requirement for all lawyers in the Province of Ontario. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode:‘Alarming': Police monitoring released murderer ‘closely' as community expresses concern (CP24)A Rights Recognition Agreement (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada) Approval of an Indigenous cultural training course (Law Society of Ontario)What Does the Musqueam Agreement Mean? (Law for Breakfast)Not Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn.The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.
Ahead of Pat Kenny's move to weekends at the beginning of March, we've delved into the archives to bring you some of the best pieces from his dozen-and-a-half years of mornings on Newstalk.Writing a will can be a daunting task even for young, healthy people. but if you die without a will, your loved ones will find it much more difficult to gain access to your finances and make your final arrangements. What are the best ways to legally prepare for that eventuality? Our expert today to answer all these questions was John Costello Solicitor at Noble Law Solicitors Past President of The Law Society of Ireland.
Mark Garrett, Director General of the Law Society, outlines a new report looking at the justice and courts systems.
Episode 138 – Mary McAleese on the Rule of Law, Courage & DemocracyFormer President of Ireland Mary McAleese joins our hosts of The Fifth Court, Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL, for a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation on the rule of law, human rights, judicial independence and democratic backsliding — drawing on her personal experience as a lawyer, academic and Head of State.Recorded at a special Ireland Rule of Law International event in the Law Society, this episode reflects on:growing up during the Troublesthe courage of lawyers and judges who upheld the rule of law at personal riskthe Good Friday Agreement and constitutional changethreats to democracy and judicial independence todayA compelling, humane and at times deeply moving discussion.The episode also includes new cases from the Decisis.ie casebook and these cases are brought to you with thanks to our sponsor, Charltons Solicitors & Collaborative Practitioners, George's Street, Dún Laoghaire — specialists in family law, civil litigation, property, wills and probate.If you value thoughtful legal discussion, please subscribe, share this episode, and recommend it to a colleague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Mark Evans. Mark is the president of the Law Society of England and Wales. He is the 181st president, and has more than 28 years of experience in residential, commercial and agricultural property transactions and succession planning. Mark's presidential themes include a professional Fit for the Future, championing our members and supporting solicitor well being. His mission is to promote the excellence, diversity and innovation of the solicitors profession, all whilst upholding the rule of law and access to justice. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Mark discussing:- Shaping the Future: Embracing Innovation and Diversity in Law- Bridging the Gap: Tackling Legal Deserts and Expanding Access to Justice- Strengthening the Profession: Raising the Bar for Legal Education and Training- Prioritising Wellbeing: Transforming Mental Health for Lawyers- Building Community: Connecting the Legal World through Running and Shared Experience Connect with Mark Evans here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mark-evans-57927917
New figures from the Courts Service show a record increase in the number of people dying in the state. Grants of administration have risen from 3,670 in 2023 to 4,451 last year. Without a will, families and loved ones often face delays, uncertainty and a more complex probate process. The Law Society of Ireland, together with the Clare Bar Association is urging Clare residents to seek trusted legal advice when making a will, highlighting the importance of future planning for families, farms and local businesses. To tell us more about this was Louise Merrigan, President, Clare Law Association on Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey. Photo (c) Andrey Popov from Getty Images via Canva
Politically motivated attacks on the legal profession in the UK have led to barristers, solicitors, advocates and judges being subjected to violence, death threats and rape threats. Some have faced threats to their family members. This is according to the The Bar Council of England and Wales, the Law Society of England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland, the Faculty of Advocates, the Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland. These organisations represent a quarter of a million lawyers across the UK, and they have come together to warn about an increasing climate of hostility against legal professionals. They say that law firms have been targeted by protesters, and they point out that lawyers are not their clients. So how bad has the situation become, and is it threatening justice or even democracy?Also on the programme: The Scottish Parliament has passed the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill after 3 days of debates and almost 400 amendments lodged - so why is the bill so controversial? And using a dodgy "jailbroken-Firestick" to watch illegally-streamed TV may seem like a victimless crime - but is it? Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan Producers: Ravi Naik and Charlotte Rowles Editor: Tom BigwoodContributors: Charlie Sherrard KC, criminal barrister with 2BR Chambers Mark Evans, President of the Law Society James Cook, BBC Scotland Editor Éamon Chawke, a solicitor who specialises in intellectual property law at Briffa legal
This week on Skip The Queue we explore the science behind ensuring good visitor experiences, by looking at the role data has to play in thisJoining me are two experts in this field, Professor Jim Deegan, economist, tourism policy expert, and founder of the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies at the University of Limerick, and Ernesto Sánchez- Batista, an expert in destination planning and digital transformation.Together, they have been instrumental in developing a new Tourism Data Dashboard. This has been utilised to transform the visitor experience at The Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks.Let's find out how, and what they've achieved. We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth.Download your FREE copy here: https://pages.crowdconvert.co.uk/skip-the-queue-playbookSkip the Queue is brought to you by Crowd Convert. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn.Show references: Jim Deegan - PHD Scholar of Cliffs of Moer Projecthttps://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41721501.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-deegan-94438b2a/Jim Deegan is the Director of the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies (NCTPS), University of Limerick(UL), a member of the Economics Department( Head of department, 2011-2016) ) and Professor of Tourism Policy. He is an economist by training and his research interests and publications are in all facets of public policy for tourism. Jim is a highly cited author in tourism economics/policy papers and he acts as a referee for all the top rated international journals in tourism and has served on editorial boards of numerous journals that have included the Cornell Quarterly and Tourism Economics. As director of the NCTPS at UL he has raised more than €6 million through project research and philanthropic donations that has funded research scholarships for more than 25 students to study tourism at postgraduate level. Jim has undertaken project research on behalf of the World Bank, The European Commission, Eurostat, The Irish Government, Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Marine Institute, the Law Society and many other public and private sector organisations across the world. He was the project lead for the team that delivered Ireland's first Tourism Satellite Account in 2004.Jim has served on numerous public and private sector committees/boards on tourism issues over the last 25 years and was a founding member of the Business Tourism Forum of Failte Ireland from 2004 and was appointed to the Board of The National Tourism Development Authority( Failte Ireland) by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in 2013. He is currently a board member of the Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation. Jim was the founding chairman and a shareholder in Treaty Radio Ltd that was sold to UTV PLC for €15.7million in 2002. Ernesto Batista Sánchez - PHD Scholar of Cliffs of Moer Projecthttps://www.ul.ie/business/departments/department-economics/research/national-centre-tourism-policy-studieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ebats/Ernesto Batista Sánchez is a PhD researcher at the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies (NCTPS), Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Ireland. Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor in Tourism programmes at the University of Holguín, Cuba. He graduated with a first-class honours MA in International Tourism from the University of Limerick in 2020 and holds a PhD from the University of Holguín (2024). His research explores the application of technology and data analysis in tourism. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report
Markets react to the chance of a rate cut. Summertime lull was anything but boring. September and October await – two of the seasonally worst months for markets. And our guest – Danielle Park, Venable Park Investment Counsel Inc. NEW! DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE'S AI GENERATED SHOW NOTES (Guest Segment) Follow @andrewhorowitz More information available on Horowitz & Company's TDI Managed Growth Strategy With 30 years of professional consulting experience, Danielle is a lawyer, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and finance author. Danielle is a regular guest on North American media and an energetic keynote speaker on investment markets and money. She is a member of the internationally recognized CFA Institute, The Toronto Society of Financial Analysts (TSFA), and continues to be a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Danielle Park is the author of the best-selling myth-busting book “Juggling Dynamite: An insider's wisdom on money management, markets and wealth that lasts,” as well as a popular daily financial blog: Juggling Dynamite Danielle worked as an attorney until 1997 when she was recruited to work for an international securities firm. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), she now helps to manage millions for some of North America's wealthiest families as a Portfolio Manager and analyst at the independent investment counsel firm she co-founded Venable Park Investment Counsel Inc. Over the last decade, Danielle has been writing, speaking and educating industry professionals and investors on the risks and realities of financial behaviors. Check this out and find out more at: http://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Stocks discussed in this episode - (NVDA), (GOOG), (SPY), (QQQ)
* New * Valora - Your AI Business Coach Turn the wisdom from this episode into practical actions for your business in minutes. Click here now to access the tool > How to Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn Without Feeling Loud or Pushy For many business owners, LinkedIn can feel overwhelming. But it can also be one of the most powerful places to connect with your dream clients and potential collaborators and grow. It's a place where thoughtful voices are heard and real opportunities can take root. So this week on The Brilliant Book Festival, I was delighted to be joined by Louise Brogan, author of Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn. Her approach is refreshingly different: no cold messages, no forcing yourself into someone else's mould, just clear, consistent steps that help you build a presence people trust. Louise shows us that visibility isn't about being the loudest. It's about being the one who shows up with clarity, humanity, and the quiet confidence to let your expertise speak for itself. Prefer to WATCH instead of read? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72DfGZtzUws “The people who decide you're the expert are the people watching you show up.” – Louise Brogan Why Visibility Matters For many introverted entrepreneurs, the idea of “getting visible” online can feel daunting. Louise reminds us: visibility doesn't mean becoming someone you're not. It means showing up consistently in a way that feels natural to you, so that when potential clients need your expertise, they already trust you. LinkedIn works because: People on the platform have resources to spend. Often corporate budgets or personal income. Most people never post. They're silent observers (“hidden buyers”) waiting for the right voice to resonate.. You need to be the clearest. You don't need to be the loudest. You need to be the clearest. As Louise puts it, showing up regularly to share insights creates an ecosystem where others decide you are the expert. Becoming Seen as an Expert One of the biggest barriers to posting on LinkedIn is the feeling of: “Who am I to say this?” Louise gently reframes this. You don't need to declare yourself “the top expert in the world.” You simply need to answer the kinds of questions your dream clients are already asking. Visibility isn't about grandeur—it's about consistency. If you regularly share your perspective, your network begins to associate you with your area of expertise. Even better, others amplify you by engaging, commenting, or tagging you in conversations. As Louise explained: “The people who decide you're the expert are the people watching you show up.” The metaphor here is a pair of rowers in a boat. If both row on the same side, you go in circles. But when you learn to pull in sync from opposite sides, you glide forward faster and straighter than you ever could alone. “One thoughtful conversation outweighs a hundred copy-paste messages. LinkedIn is about networking, not spamming.” – Louise Brogan A Favourite Story: Selling Art on LinkedIn Louise shared the story of an artist who initially thought LinkedIn wasn't “for her.” Once she began posting about her work, not only did she start selling to businesses (who wanted art for their offices), but she was also featured in Vogue and went on to collaborate with a furniture designer. Why? Because LinkedIn isn't about industries—it's about people. And people buy from people they connect with. The Quiet Power of Consistency The heart of Louise's message is that LinkedIn works when you build a trusted rhythm of presence. Not through noise. Not through hacks. But by showing up in a way that feels true. If you've ever felt hesitant about LinkedIn, let Louise's story reassure you: visibility can be both strategic and soulful. You don't have to shout. You simply need to resonate, consistently. Final Thought to Reflect On What could shift for you if you used LinkedIn as a space for building steady, human connections? Want to explore what this could look like for you? Learn more about the ways you can work with Melitta Campbell to uncover your Value Sweet Spot to market, sell and grow your business confidently, and always on your terms. Working with Melitta > About Louise Louise is the CEO of Louise Brogan Ltd, helping B2B companies leverage LinkedIn to raise their profile and generate leads and sales and author of Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn, an easy-to-read guide on how to leverage LinkedIn to raise your profile and build a network of value. As the host of the 'Raise Your Visibility Online' podcast and YouTube channel with over 110,000 subscribers, she shares actionable tips for growing businesses online. A winner of the 'Digital Marketer of the Year Award,' Louise has also been recognized in the top 100 Small Businesses and top 100 female entrepreneurs in the UK. She was honoured to represent UK Small Business at Buckingham Palace, meeting King Charles. Louise has spoken at conferences including Social Media Marketing World, European PEOPIL, TubeFest, Women in Finance, TechConnect, and Social Media Fest Ireland. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Social Media Examiner, The Guardian, and The Times. Beyond her passion for helping solopreneurs, coaches, and consultants through workshops and 1-2-1 training, she also works with larger organisations like BT, BBC, the Chartered Institute of Accountants England & Wales, and the Law Society. Whether you're a small business or a larger company, Louise is dedicated to helping you build your brand and drive results online Read Louise's Book: Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn Connect with Louise Website LinkedIn YouTube About Your Host, Melitta Campbell Melitta Campbell is an award-winning business coach, TEDx speaker, author of A Shy Girl's Guide to Networking and founder of the Dream Clients Club. Through her Value WhisperingTM Blueprint, she helps introverted female entrepreneurs build quietly impactful businesses that grow through clarity, trust, and alignment. Learn more about working with Melitta here Loved this episode? Turn your Insight into Action with Valora Valora is the podcast's new AI Business Coach. Answer three short questions and she'll translate your responses into simple, practical actions you can take this week to grow your business. Click here now to access Valora > You May Also Enjoy... Get a PhD in You: A Course in Miraculous Self-Discovery The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea The Common Path To Uncommon Success More Heart, Less Hustle The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength > More Podcast Episodes