In a special episode of Law on Trial, the hosts discuss whether the law and the arts are complementary passions. Guests include Mr Justice Cian Ferriter, a poet, John O’Donnell SC, a writer, and barrister Seána Davey, a professional harpist.

Surveying our solicitors

In the latest episode of Law on Trial, Mark Garrett, director general of the Law Society of Ireland, discusses the key findings in a recent survey of more than 2,200 solicitors and what the representative body is doing to tackle challenges faced by the profession. 

Hosts Catherine Sanz and James McDermott also chat to Éamonn Conlon SC, a solicitor, arbitrator, and mediator, about alternative dispute resolution and why it is increasingly becoming a solution for businesses. 

The hosts also discuss some interesting legal stories in the news and chat about lawyer-focused gift ideas.

In this episode of Law on Trial, Catherine Sanz and barrister James McDermott speak with John MacMenamin, a retired Supreme Court judge, about his career on the bench, rule of law, and the challenges faced by young lawyers.   

The podcast also features an interview with Patricia Lucas, a retired judge of the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County, about unique aspects of the legal system in her state, such as a salary-tied 90-day time limit on delivering judgments. 

The hosts also discuss some interesting legal stories in the news, including how judgments are getting longer, paying a $20,000 settlement in coins, and a new musical based on Gwyneth Paltrow's high-profile ski trial.

In this episode of Law on Trial, Catherine Sanz and barrister James McDermott speak with Michael Dillon, director of legal at the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA), the agency tasked with enforcing company law in Ireland. 

Dillon discusses his work with the so-called “Irish FBI”, as well as his prior roles which included being deputy Attorney General in the Turks and Caicos. The hosts also discuss some interesting legal stories in the news, including the historic Supreme Court referral by President Michael D. Higgins of a new bill to reform judicial appointments.

In the first episode of season four of Law on Trial, Sara Phelan, chairwoman of the Bar Council, discusses why the representative body has recommended a historical one-day withdrawal of services by its criminal barrister members. Hosts Catherine Sanz and James McDermott also chat with Niamh Howlin, associate professor of law at UCD, about her new book Barristers in Ireland, which sheds light on the inner workings of the profession in the 20th century. The hosts also examine some legal stories in the news and a recent judgment from the High Court.

In the latest episode of Law on Trial, Roger Murray, SC, and partner with Callan Tansey, discusses why the HSE’s narrative around medical negligence risks “vilifying” patients instead of highlighting the need for proper resourcing. He also discusses why the so-called gun for hire syndrome is a “complete myth” and how the experience of medical litigants in the courts can be improved. Hosts Catherine Sanz and barrister James McDermott discuss some legal news stories, including the latest developments connected to the Wagatha Christie case and a proposal in France which could send influencers to jail.

Alex White, senior counsel, reflects on his journey from journalism to law, a career in politics with the Labour party, and his recent appointment as director general of the Institute for International and European Affairs. Hosts Catherine Sanz and James McDermott also discuss some legal stories in the news.

Eavan Saunders, managing partner at Dentons Dublin and country head for Ireland, on her vision for the office, her A-list disputes team, battling gender bias, and winning new clients. Hosts Catherine Sanz and James McDermott, barrister, also discuss some recent legal cases in the news, a new law on service charges, and plans in Germany to legalise bin diving.

In the second episode of season three, Noeline Blackwell, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, discusses new legislation on human trafficking and how her team has been preparing to assist Ukrainians who may have been victims of sexual violence. She also chats about her views on arming the gardai, pro-bono work, and winning a recent lifetime achievement award.

Hosts Catherine Sanz and Cormac Ó Culáin also review some important legal stories in the news.