The conference on Monday 13 November, 9.30am–3.30pm in the Aula Maxima will feature three panel discussions on “Ireland’s Legal Influence Across The European Union”, “Alumnis’ Path to Careers in European Law” and “Ireland’s Role in Shaping the European Legal Landscape”.

As well as Advocate-General Collins of the CJEU, the 23rd annual conference will hear from:

• Professor Gavin Barrett, University College Dublin;
• Grace O’Sullivan MEP;
• Benoît Keane, solicitor and founder of Keane Legal;
• Maeve Collins, director-general of the EU division, Department of Foreign Affairs;
• Leo Flynn, head of the state aid team in the European Commission;
• Caitríona King, graduate policy officer at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union;
• Cárthach Ó Faoláin, lawyer linguist in the CJEU;
• Breifne O’Reilly, Ireland’s permanent representative to the Council of Europe until August 2023;
• Dr Pádraig Ó Laighin, academic and head of the STÁDAS campaign for Irish to become a full official and working language of the EU; and
• Dr Luigi Lonardo, University College Cork.

William Fry LLP is sponsoring the conference, which will also raise money for refugee charity Nasc.

Conference director Orla Leahy said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to bring this conference to the UCC community. I have always been particularly interested in Ireland’s role in international justice, especially within the European Union, and sought the chance to celebrate EU 50 on a broad scale during my term as conference director.

“I am very fortunate to be working with a fantastic subcommittee to bring this conference into fruition. I look forward to welcoming our three panels of guest speakers to UCC this November.”

Harry Emerson, auditor of the 94th session of the UCC Law Society, added: “The 94th session is absolutely delighted to begin Law Week with the Law Society Annual Conference. I could not think of a better event nor a more pertinent theme to begin such an important week for us.

“I would like to commend Orla Leahy for all the work she has put into this event and I would like to sincerely thank the executive committee for all the support you have shown myself and Orla thus far.

“I am also very grateful to William Fry LLP and to the UCC School of Law for their continued cooperation and guidance. I very much hope you enjoy the day and I look forward to seeing you there.”

The conference is free for UCC students and staff and €45 for practitioners, paid on the day or in advance by invoice. The event carries four CPD points.

For more information, contact conference@ucclawsociety.com.