The Gazette 1988

GAZETTE

SEPTEMBER

1988

From the President . . .

the expert professional service rather t h an t he s e c o nd rate alternative. It is interesting to learn that in America and Canada, they are moving away from absolute time costing to a situation where they also consider the value of the service to the particular client in measuring the fee. In this way, they feel they can combat the increasing overheads which, at times, go as high as 7 0% - 8 0% of the practice turnover. The lawyer of the future, giving a good service, based on his skill and knowledge and allied to a full back-up system can provide the public w i th what they require - namely a speedy and effective recourse to a legal service at a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. The lawyer who can do this has nothing to fear from all the changes in wh i ch we are currently embroiled. •

SOLICITOR A dynamic new Dublin business requires a legal assistant to work in their conveyanc- ing department. First class legal ability and organisational talent are essential. Some experience in practice is important as is liaison with financial institutions. The position offers excellent career prospects, a firstclass working environment as well as a highly competitive salary. Send career details to: Solicitor, Eason Advertising, 66, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

service, you can charge a good fee, if you give a bad service, forget about it. The lawyer of the future will have a computer on his desk wh i ch will have access to vast quantities of knowledge covering research, case law, up-to-date financial informa- tion and all relevant material for a solicitor to carry on his practice. Computer time will be a chargeable item to be included in a client's bill and will be on a pay-as-you-see basis. The Law Society must provide this basic set-up and information to enable the member to give an enhanced service to the public. The t wo aspects of practice wh i ch trouble the other jurisdict- ions are firstly, the encroachment of professional work carried out by solicitors and secondly, the contin- ued increase in overheads wh i ch erode the profitability of the office. There is no ready answer to the first problem except that the pro- fession must continue to self improve so that the general public will have no hesitation in choosing The accent in the future will be on delivery of service. As I have said before, if you give a good H aving recently returned from foreign parts I now realise all the more the increased dep th of know l edge that you acquire from watching how the profession in other parts of the world tackle their problems. Let me say at the outset that I am more convinced than ever before that there is a definite future for the good lawyer.

Solicitor/Legal Executive. London, Kensington solicitors seek solicitor / legal executive, minimum one years residential conveyancing. If you are coming to London in the next one/two months please write/ fax C.V. to: Dorothy A. Hurrell 69, Kensington Church St. London W8. Fax No. 01-938-4871

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J U fWy Thomas D. Shaw President

GAZETTE Submission of material The Gazette Editorial Board welcomes t he submi ss ion of short art icles (800-1,500 words) on topics of popular interest. Articles should be typed on A4 paper, double spaced and should be addressed to:

The Executive Editor, Law Society Gazette, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7.

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