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GAZETTE
SEPTEMBER 1979
profession cannot but be encouraged by the recently published Report of the English
Royal Commission on Legal Services, which, subject to certain safeguards, recom-
mended the confirmation and strengthening of the solicitors' conveyancing monopoly in
England. In talking of conveyancing today, one must appreciate that the conveyancing
part of any transaction is now only one aspect of an increasingly complicated matter. The
services furnished by the solicitor must of necessity include advice as to taxation, planning
legislation, the family situation, the obtaining of long-term and short-term funds and the
provision of enforceable undertakings for financial institutions, so that the whole process
can operate efficiently. Looked at in this wider context, in which the Society is now
endeavouring to educate the public, the profession here well deserves the retention of its
monopoly.
1.5
Much comment has been made in recent years over the delays in the legal
system. Usually, commentators have pointed fingers at the profession. That there is delay
in solicitors' offices cannot be denied. At the same time, little public attention has been
focused on the lengthy delays in the Courts and the offices of the Public Service with
which the profession has to deal. While individual public servants in the various offices are
most helpful, the whole operation appears to be starved of the resources and decision-
making ability to give a quick response. Is it too much to ask that the increased charges
by the State in respect of Courts and other legal services be ploughed back to give an
improved service? The recent and welcome appointment of additional judges and the
pending review of Court jurisdictions gives some hope, but the profession must insist on
the provision of the necessary back-up facilities.
1.6
The Society in recent years has devoted great attention to the development of the
training programme for intending solicitors. This year saw the holding of the first training
course under the new system. The seventy-three participants have now commenced their
period of on-the-job practical training. I am pleased to say that the response from masters
to date has been encouraging. The next course which commences in November, will be
modified by the lessons learned in the first course. A practical spin-off to the profession
from the investment in training facilities has been the organisation of intensive one-day
refresher courses for practising solicitors. The satisfactory support received, indicates the
desire on the part of a majority in the profession to keep abreast of the increasing pace of
change in legal affairs. For our achievements in this area, I must thank in a particular
way, the Chairman of the Education Committee, Mr. John Buckley, the Director of
Education, Professor Richard Woulfe, and the Director of Training, Professor Larry
Sweeney. Tribute is also due to all others concerned with this activity of the Society, both
Committee members and staff.
1.7
In my visits to Bar Associations, and on other opportunities of meeting with
members of the profession, I have endeavoured to outline a framework through which the
profession can face the future in an era of continuing inflation. This requires an emphasis
on effective work methods and the intensive utilisation of staff and facilities. It also
requires a realistic approach to charging clients the real cost of providing legal services,
the development of interim accounts and the greater use of time-costing. In the absence of
such an approach, the solicitor may have to work very long hours for a poor return, and
possibly not give as good a service as he might. It behoves all practitioners to review
critically, the operation of their practice every three to four years.
1.8
As I have done many times at meetings over the year, I would like to commend
the Society's own Retirement Annuity Scheme to members. Started in 1975, it now has
almost £ lm. in invested funds, and since foundation has shown a very satisfactory
growth. Recently, the fund has purchased its first property investment.
1.9
I would like to express my thanks to my fellow officers, the Chairmen of the
Committees and members of the Council for the great support they have given me and
also to those Bar Associations and members who were my hosts on various occasions
during my year of office.
1.10
In conclusion, I think I should refer to the remarkable expansion in the activities
at our new headquarters at King's Hospital and the great variety of uses to which it is
now possible to put the premises. As you are probably aware, we are at present housing
the Bantry Bay Enquiry and there appears to be a considerable market for seminars and
functions of all kinds in a historic building, rather than a conventional hotel. In reference
to the premises, I think it is fitting that I should pay tribute to the Director General and in
particular to Miss Anne Kane who has contributed so much to the management of our
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