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Capital Markets. Since joining the legal
services division there in 1995, Philippa
has learned a lot about derivatives and
dealing and about arcane legislative
provisions such as the Capital Adequacy
Directive and the Netting of Financial
Contracts Act. She has also found very
practical use for her study of the capacity
of corporate bodies and general
commercial and insolvency law. Philippa
advised job-seekers to be pro-active about
sending out CVs. She also remarked that
solicitors have very valuable skills but
those targeting a non-practice market
"must be prepared to convince pros-
pective employers of their usefulness".
The last of the six speakers was Graham
Hanlon, partner in Doyle Hanlon
Solicitors. Graham gave a most
interesting and engaging account of his
own career to date from apprenticeship
with Eugene F. Collins to setting up and
running his practice with an old college
friend. He spoke of the dangers and the
difficulties associated with the venture as
well as the rewards and satisfaction of
being self-employed. Graham's
conclusion was that setting up in practice
is not for everyone and indeed, that there
are other and easier ways of acquiring a
practice, including inheriting (or
marrying!) one. However, he himself
appears to have his footfirmly on the
ladder of success and to have no regrets.
L-r: Maria Costello, Irish Shell Limited; David O'Donnell, Management International (Dublin)
Limited and Philipa Howley, AIB Capital Markets.
Of thefive employed solicitors who
spoke, three had been recruited through
the Law Society Employment Register
and one by sending out speculative CVs.
The message that came across from the
contributors was that there is a wide
variety of opportunities available and
getting a job as an assistant solicitor is
not necessarily the best or the only
option. The talks were very
enthusiastically received by the large
audience who were both cheered and
inspired by what they heard.
The interactive part of the evening
followed with an invitation to all from
Younger Members' Committee
Chairman, Philip Joyce, to adjourn to the
Members' Bar for a drinks reception
hosted by the Committee. There were no
refusals and the lively exchange of ideas
and opinions continued as long as the not
inconsiderable hospitality flowed.
Sincere thanks are due to all the
contributors who gave their time and the
benefit of their experience so generously
and so readily. Thanks also to Joan
Doran, Secretary of the Younger
Members' Committee, for her valued
assistance in organising the event.
Geraldine Hynes
Careers Adviser
31
c
o
DATE FOR
YOUR
DIARY
LAW SOCIETY
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
BARCELONA
3-6 April, 1997
241