Category: Practice Areas

We acknowledge the great distress and concern which families, spouses and partners experience in a breakdown of a relationship.

We offer a confidential, sensitive and supportive service to our clients. We assist our clients to make healthy decisions for themselves and their children.

We have extensive experience in this field. We advise on all areas of Family Law to include separation and divorce, child custody, annulment, domestic violence, access, maintenance, guardianship, cohabiting couples, same sex couples, pre nuptial agreements, abduction and child sex abuse.

In addition we offer a non-court based family focused legal solution and resolution service in all aspects of Family Law, Separation and Divorce through the process of Collaborative Practice.

Collaborative Practice is a method for the resolution of family disputes designed to achieve an acceptable and equitable agreement through discussions and negotiations. It is a process based on honesty, co-operation and the integrity of the participants – an innovative process allowing couples to address the complexities of family disputes in a non-confrontational way and without resort to the Courts.

For more information, please see the articles entitled “Relationship and Marital Breakdown“ and “The Better Divorce” on our Free Insights page.

Wolfe & Co. LLP has over 100 years of experience in West Cork serving our clients in the areas of Corporate and Commercial Law.

Our clients come from many sectors of the business community and we have a reputation for solid commercial advice on corporate and commercial issues.

The areas in which we advise include:

Acquisitions and Disposals

• Business Acquisitions – share and asset sales and purchases
• Subscription and Shareholders Agreements.

Corporate Finance

• Business Expansion Schemes and Seed Capital Schemes

General Corporate/Company Secretarial Services

• Company Incorporation
• Maintenance of Statutory Registers and Minute Books
• Drafting Board and General Meeting Minutes
• Working with Accountants in the Preparation and Filing of Annual Returns
• Registered Office Facility
• Registration of Branch, Place of Business and Business Name
• Advice on Corporate Governance and Directors Duties
• Preparation of Minutes and filling Company Registration Office Forms in relation to the following
• General Commercial Agreements
• Insurance Law

E-Commerce, Technology and IP Law

• Software Development and Distribution
• Transfer and Licensing of Patents, Trademarks, Designs
• Copyright, Trade secrets, Database Rights
• Data Protection Compliance
• E-Commerce issues, both contractual and regulatory
• Domain Name registrations and transfers

Our licensing department advises a large number of owners of pubs, restaurants and hotels.

We provide our clients with a complete service including the obtaining of new licenses, transfer and renewals, sales and purchases of licences and of licensed premises.

We advise and represent clients in prosecutions under the Licensing Code including “after hours” prosecutions and “under age” drinking prosecutions.

We endeavour to ensure that our clients are kept up to date with all developments, both at government and policy level. Just as importantly, in relation to licensing and control requirements of An Garda Siochana and Local Authorities at regional and local level, we provide accurate and practical advice.

We act for a number of established Auctioneering firms and provide the necessary legal assistance in the yearly renewal of their licenses. In addition we also make applications for clients who wish to start up their own Auctioneering business and we will advise in relation to both legal and revenue requirements.

We prepare all the necessary documentation, including publication of the renewal notice culminating in our attendance at the District Court to process the application.

We will be pleased to help you with your licensing requirements, please contact us to discuss your particular needs.

Employment Law has seen considerable change over the last number of years.  There is constant on-going reform and development in the area and our firm prides itself in keeping up to date with all such changes brought about by legislation as well as through decisions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, High Court and other employment authorities.

We are experienced in advising both employers and employees on all aspects of employment law including:

• Various Statutory Entitlements
• Termination of Contracts and Unfair Dismissals
• Health and Safety and Equality in the workplace
• Staff Procedures including grievance and disciplinary procedures
• Transfer of Undertakings
• Representation before all Courts and Tribunals including the High Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal, the Rights Commissioner and the Labour Court
• Compliance with all Statutory requirements.

As there are strict rules and regulations governing this area, it is important for clients to take advice early in respect of employment law matters and our firm are happy to deal with any queries and concerns that clients may have.

Our firm also recognises the growing non-national sector of our population.  Employment Law legislation applies equally to all workers regardless of nationality and we are happy to provide advice and assistance in relation to work permits and visas as well as and statutory entitlements rights.

Please see the article entitled “Employee Rights” on our Free Insights page.

Employment Compliance Service

We at Wolfe & Co. LLP Solicitors are pleased to offer a review and consultation service in Employment Law.

This service can be tailored to suit your needs, and will consist of:

1. Pre-consultation review of company policies, employment contracts, health and safety policies, grievance procedures, etc.
2. Opportunity to raise any particular questions regarding employment law to be answered during consultation.
3. At the consultation, advices given in respect of any queries which have been raised, on quality of documentation and any deficiencies there may be with the documentation.
4. General advices will also be provided at consultation on request, dealing with, for example, how to give warnings, how to deal with disciplinary matters, employee conflicts etc.

If there are any documents / policies which employer may be lacking these can be provided as part of the service.

The service can be offered to existing employer clients and advertised on the website and in the office.

Many different kinds of disputes occur in our ordinary everyday lives. This can range from a “misunderstanding” with your friend; a “falling out” with your neighbour; a disagreement at work; a distressing situation in school; a business problem or a full relationship / marriage breakdown – the list is endless.

What can you do when despite your best efforts the solution isn’t getting any closer?

At Wolfe & Co. LLP, problem solving and managing difficulties is our work – this is what we do.

Our team has a wide range of skills at your disposal and we work hand-in-hand with you to resolve your problem. We have the resources you need to help you reach your goals.

As well as our legal skills, we have additional skills available in dispute resolution to include:

• Mediation:

Mediators are specially trained to help people to resolve their disputes. Mediators are neutral and will not take sides. Mediation is a voluntary process and can be an effective and immediate alternative to Court Proceedings. It is an entirely confidential service and provides a safe environment for you to air your issues. The mediator assists you to find a mutually acceptable solution to your difficulty. The format of the mediation process may vary depending on the mediator and the type of dispute. Sometimes there are pre-mediation meetings and sometimes you spend most of the time in the same room. In other cases you may not be in the same room at all, or only for a short time. The mediator with decide the best format depending on all the circumstances.

How will mediation benefit you?

• It is confidential.
• It is quick.
• It avoids the necessity of fighting in Court and in this way “protects” relationships.
• It is cost effective.
• It gives greater scope for more creative / more workable solutions.
• The disputing parties control the content and outcome which supports the potential for longer lasting solutions.
• Settlement potential is high.

It is important to understand that mediation is generally a process involving two or more disputing parties with one or two neutral mediators. It is not in itself a legal process and generally speaking your solicitor is not present. However, there are variations available where solicitors may be present by agreement with all parties.

• Collaborative Practice:

Collaborative Practice is a non-court based, family-focused legal solution and resolution service. It is designed to achieve an acceptable and equitable agreement of issues through discussions and negotiations. It is a process based on honesty, co-operation and the integrity of the participants. When used in the family / relationship context, it allows couples to address the complexities of these types of disputes in a non-confrontational way and without recourse to the Courts.

At Wolfe & Co. LLP we adopt a full Collaborative team approach to disputes, where both parties, together with their respective lawyers and coaches (all of whom have been specially trained) work together as a coherent unit to assist in reaching decisions which are drawn up in a legally binding agreement. Discussions and negotiations take place in a series of meetings with the parties, their lawyers and coaches all present.

How can Collaborative Practice benefit you?

1. It is a unique process which allows both parties to retain control over the final agreement.
2. It allows for all parties’ needs, including where necessary those of parties indirectly involved, to be considered.
3. It can foster an attitude of open communication which helps in maintaining good relationships into the future.
4. It can be quicker and less expensive than the traditional, court-based approach to resolving disputes.

All parties, including the lawyers, commit at the start of the process to resolving the issue within the Collaborative model. If for any reason the parties are unable to reach a resolution within that process, the Collaborative lawyers must withdraw and the parties must engage new lawyers.

• Dispute Resolution:

Traditionally, resolution of disputes through the litigation process can be lengthy, costly and often causes irreparable damage to relationships.

At Wolfe & Co. LLP we apply our diverse range of skills to the resolution of the wide variety of disputes we come across in our daily work. These skills can be used in a number of ways and at any time in any process. This can provide you with a skillful, speedy and cost-effective means of resolving your dispute while holding focus on maintaining relationships.

For further information contact: Helen Collins, email helen.collins@wolfe.ie

Please see articles entitled “Relationship and Marital Breakdown” and “The Better Divorce” on our Free Insights page.

Environmental Law has become one of the most important and continues to be one of the fastest growing legal specialties.

Environmental Law and its practice involves a detailed knowledge and understanding of the complex statutes and regulations which seek to protect the environment endangered by personal, commercial and industrial activities.

At Wolfe & Co. LLP we are conscious of the challenges facing our clients given the growth of Environmental Law in Ireland in recent years. In the light of increasing statutory controls the awareness of Environmental Law and compliance with legislation and regulations has become a high priority for Irish businesses.

We offer comprehensive advice on both contentious and non-contentious environmental and planning issues to both private and commercial clients. This  includes:

•     assessing environmental concerns
•     ensuring compliance with statutory regulations
•     dealing with all aspects of environmental licensing and permits

Our work in this area extends to advising clients in the growth area of Alternative Energy to include the establishment of wind farms and the recently introduced building energy rating requirements.

Litigation can be defined very simply as that part of a solicitor’s practice that deals with court related work.

This can include personal injury cases, material damage cases, defamation, equity cases, debt collection and much more.  Litigation can be extremely stressful and we will assist and guide you through each step of the process and progress the matter for you as quickly as possible.

At Wolfe & Co. LLP we have a team dedicated to the area of litigation. We understand that such cases can be very difficult for our clients and our solicitors are always at hand to give them the best advice possible. We take detailed instructions as to how we can best represent our clients’ interests. Court proceedings may be necessary and if so, we have the experience and expertise to advise clients on the best course of action.

We take care to discuss and evaluate with clients all the facts involved. We consider the supporting evidence and any other expertise that may be required such as medical, engineering or actuarial advice.

It should be noted that in contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

The Government introduced the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), now The Injuries Board, which in effect means that almost all claims arising from personal injuries must be brought before this Board before ever going to Court.

Our team has extensive experience of processing claims through The Injuries Board and instituting Proceedings in the Circuit and High Court for damages as a result of injuries suffered by a person through the negligent action of others. We also advise private individuals, corporate clients and insurance institutions how to successfully contest actions brought against them.

Criminal Law

The area of criminal law covers a wide range of activities from parking offences to murder. All prosecutions start in the District Court and may, depending on their seriousness, be moved to higher courts.

Legal aid is available to those who cannot afford representation. Our criminal law solicitors are members of the Legal Aid panel. At Wolfe & Co. LLP we pride ourselves in long-established criminal defence expertise and we have successfully represented clients in the District, Circuit Criminal and Central Criminal Courts. We provide a reliable and efficient service to clients ensuring that their rights are protected in this extremely important area of law.

At Wolfe & Co. LLP we have a team dedicated to the area of drafting Wills and administering estates.

Our Solicitors have extensive knowledge and experience in these areas. We offer practical advice in making Wills to include estate management, tax planning, and appointment of guardians.

We recognise the special significance that the making of a Will has for our clients. We are aware that some clients are unfamiliar with many of the legal implications involved and we facilitate full, frank and informed discussions on all aspects. We place particular emphasis on a constructive approach to family requirements and to minimising potential disputes.

We deal with all aspects of administering estates whether that person has died with or without having made a Will.

In addition, our services include:-

• Estate planning and Will drafting
• Powers of Attorney including Enduring Powers of Attorney
• All tax and financial issues arising in administration of estates
• Creation of trusts and trust administration
• Deeds of Family Arrangement
• Contentious and non contentious trust and probate issues
• Wards of Court Applications

Our Probate team does its very best to ensure that all matters proceed as quickly as possible.

For more information, please see the article entitled “Why Make a Will?” on our Free Insights page.