Coronavirus

Dorit McCann, partner at Beauchamps, considers whether firms emerging from the COVID-19 crisis with access to financing can use the "failing firm defence" to justify acquisitions of competitive businesses. COVID-19 has turned our world upside down but, while it presents great challenges to many busi

Ireland released a relatively high number of prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new figures from the Council of Europe. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) reported releasing 476 prisoners, or 12 per cent of its total prison population, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Labour Court has said it will continue to rely on a "combination of physical courtrooms and virtual courtrooms" in the medium term. The court began remotely hearing appeals and referrals to the court at the start of June and expects to re-open some physical courtrooms in July.

The introduction of police powers used to fine dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters just hours before the protests began was "purely coincidental", ministers have said. Amnesty International and the Belfast-based Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) raised concerns earlier this month

Cathy Colton, partner at Carson McDowell, considers the legal pitfalls for businesses considering changes to licensed premises following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Businesses across the hospitality and leisure industry here are understandably keen to plan ahead for reopening following the

A solicitor who criticised An Garda Síochána for forcing solicitors to break public health guidelines to advise clients in custody has said the force is starting to address the issue. Solicitor Shalom Binchy shared the findings of her firm's recent survey of solicitors on Friday in a w

Solicitors have welcomed the re-opening of the Northern Ireland housing market from today. Emergency coronavirus laws have been amended by the Northern Ireland Executive to allow activities relating to house moves to take place from today.

The PSNI has "questions to answer" after taking a light-touch approach to far-right protests in Belfast a week after fining dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters, a solicitor has said. Hundreds of people attended a Belfast rally to "protect our statues" on Saturday, one of a handful of events orga

Calls have been made for the Government to temporarily amend company legislation so that virtual annual general meetings (AGMs) can be held, as companies try to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, The Irish Times reports. By law, all companies must hold AGMs and the maximum time allowed between meet

Lawyers, policing experts and community representatives will reflect on the policing of COVID-19 in Ireland in an online webinar tomorrow afternoon. The free event, moderated by Dr Vicky Conway, associate professor at DCU School of Law, will consider the "exceptional positives being achieved" by An

Jason O'Sullivan, solicitor and public affairs consultant at J.O.S Solicitors, offers a practical guide to Irish businesses on steps to take in preparation for the coronavirus crisis. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, albeit with easing of current restrictions, disruption is still present in every s

The vast majority of lawyers involved in remote court hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales are satisfied with their experience, a major survey has found. Having surveyed nearly 900 lawyers on the impact of COVID-19 on the civil justice system for the Civil Justice Council (CJC)

Ireland's prison service is submitting guidance to the World Health Organisation (WHO) after avoiding a single confirmed case of COVID-19 among prisoners and staff. Prisons in Northern Ireland, England and South America have contacted the Irish Prison Service (IPS) for advice on keeping the virus ou

Criminal penalties for breaking restrictions on movement introduced to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic have been scrapped. New regulations which came into force yesterday do not include a criminal penalty for people travelling more than 20 kilometres outside of their county.

A criminal defence lawyer who criticised safety measures at a specialist COVID-19 custody suite established by the PSNI in Belfast has bought his own personal protective equipment (PPE). Joe Rice, senior partner at John J. Rice & Co Solicitors, told the Belfast Telegraph that his firm has bought