The Fifth Court
Ireland's legal podcast, presented by the Law Society Award Winning team of Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL. It covers legal topics and cases relevant to Ireland.
Episodes
E150 The Fifth Court - Mr Justice Peter Charleton: law, crime, music and the nature of evil
The Fifth Court marks Episode 150 with Part 1 of a wide-ranging conversation with recently retired Supreme Court judge, Peter Charleton.To mark Episode 150 of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Mr Justice Peter Charleton, recently retired from the Supreme Court.In Part 1 of this extended interview, he reflects on republicanism and nationalism, growing up near Seá
E149 The Fifth Court - Bridget Hourican on Frank Callanan’s Joycean masterpiece
Bloomsday Special: The secret political life of James Joyce — and Frank Callanan’s final masterpieceWas James Joyce really apolitical?For decades, many scholars claimed Ireland's greatest writer stood apart from politics.Frank Callanan disagreed.Before his untimely death, the renowned barrister, historian and Parnell scholar spent 25 years researching what became his final work: James Joyce: A Pol
E148 The Fifth Court - Peter Shanley SC -Barristers Direct, legal access & barristers as entrepreneurs
Episode 148, The Fifth CourtPeter Shanley SC on Barristers Direct, legal access and barristers becoming entrepreneursPeter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Peter Shanley SC, founder of Barristers Direct.Peter explains how changes under the Legal Services Regulation Act opened the door to direct access to barristers in non-contentious matters, why Barristers Direct was created, and ho
E147 The Fifth Court - John O’Donnell SC on Law, Literature and Life
ON this episode of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by John O’Donnell SC — one of the Bar’s leading advocates… and one of Ireland’s most quietly brilliant writers. This is a conversation that moves from the Four Courts to the writing desk — and back again.We step into a different courtroom entirely — the imagination.John O’Donnell SC discusses:Winning the Francis
E146 The Fifth Court - Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are Changing - John Kerr
Your Reputation on Trial — And Why the Rules Are ChangingThis is not just another legal interview. This is a story about growing up under armed protection, about a father who became the last Law Lord in the UK, and about a legal system that is about to change in a very big way.John Kerr — barrister, defamation specialist, and colleague — joins us to talk about:What it was like living through the T
E145 The Fifth Court - Verona Murphy - From leaving home at 14 to Ceann Comhairle, Dáil Éireann
The "referee" of Irish politics: Verona Murphy on power, pressure and running the DáilWhat actually happens when you’re handed the whistle in Irish politics?On Episode 145 of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL travel to Leinster House to sit down with Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle — the referee of the Dáil.This is not a standard political career story.From leaving home
E144 The Fifth Court - Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High Court | Parnell, leadership, and the law
Episode 144 – Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High Court | Parnell, leadership, and the lawIn this very special episode of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Mr Justice Brian Cregan, Judge of the High Court, to discuss his book Parnell: A Novel and the legal, political, and historical legacy of Charles Stewart Parnell.Drawing on extensive original res
E143 The Fifth Court - Máirín de Búrca, once more in front of the courts
Máirín De Búrca is in front of the courts again | The Fifth CourtThere are some names that belong in the footnotes of Irish history. Máirín De Búrca belongs in the headlines.In this very special episode of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham visit Máirín at home to talk about a life that took her from Chicago and Newbridge to housing protests, anti-apartheid activism, women’s liberat
E142 The Fifth Court - Garry O'Gorman, The Barrister Who Quit Law To Handicap Racehorses
The Barrister Who Quit Law To Handicap RacehorsesWhat kind of person leaves the Law Library… and ends up becoming one of the most quietly powerful men in Irish racing?Garry O’Gorman, that’s who.ON Episode 142 of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL meet the former barrister who swapped devilling and district courts for parade rings, pedigrees, handicap marks and the dark arts of
E141 The Fifth Court - Mr Justice David Nolan - Advocacy, Independence and the Modern Bar
Advocacy, Independence and the Modern Bar — Mr. Justice David Nolan | The Fifth Court EP 141On Episode 141 of The Fifth Court, hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL are honoured to be joined by Mr. Justice David Nolan of the High Court.A former Chair of the Bar Council and long-standing advocate, Mr. Justice Nolan reflects on:• The evolution of advocacy in Irish courts• The importance of st
E140 The Fifth Court - Eavanna FitzGerald - Founder of The Expert Witness Site
Expert evidence under pressure – Eavanna FitzGerald on changing court culture | Episode 140On Episode 140 of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL examine a quiet but significant shift in Irish litigation: expert witnesses are now under real judicial scrutiny.Eavanna FitzGerald joins the show to explain why the traditional word-of-mouth system for sourcing experts is failing prac
E139 The Fifth Court - Tom Flynn SC, Planning judicial reviews, costs caps and access to justice
Episode 139 | Tom Flynn SC on planning judicial reviews, costs caps and access to justiceIn Episode 139 of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Tom Flynn SC, a leading planning and environmental law practitioner.The discussion examines the State’s proposal to cap recoverable legal costs in planning judicial reviews, the policy rationale behind the measures, a
E138 The Fifth Court - Mary McAleese, former Uachtarán na hÉireann
Episode 138 – Mary McAleese on the Rule of Law, Courage & DemocracyFormer President of Ireland Mary McAleese joins our hosts of The Fifth Court, Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL, for a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation on the rule of law, human rights, judicial independence and democratic backsliding — drawing on her personal experience as a lawyer, academic and Head of Sta
Episode 137 – Darragh Mackin, Human Rights, Legacy and the Rule of Law
Episode 137 – Darragh Mackin, Human Rights, Legacy and the Rule of LawIn Episode 137 of The Fifth Court, Peter Leonard BL travels to the Allingham Festival in Ballyshannon for a live recording with one of the most prominent human rights lawyers working on the island of Ireland today, Darragh Mackin, partner at Phoenix Law.This live podcast at the Allingham Festival 2025 was sponsored by www.brianj
E136 The Fifth Court - PART II- Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights & Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, judge at the European Court of Human Rights
The Fifth Court Ep 136 Part 2: Strasbourg, dissent and Decisis casebook Part 2 of a two-part Fifth Court interview with two of Ireland’s most distinguished international judges:• Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights • Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, Ireland’s current judge at the European Court of Human RightsThis episode examines judicial dissent, political pressure on the
E135 The Fifth Court - Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights & Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, judge at the European Court of Human Rights
The Fifth Court – Part 1: Ireland and the European Court of Human RightsPart 1 of a two-part Fifth Court interview with two of Ireland’s most distinguished jurists on the international stage.Síofra O’Leary, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, and Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, Ireland’s current judge at the Court, discuss judicial life in Strasbourg, multilingual decision-making, and the
E134 The Fifth Court - Austria’s Supreme Court President Georg Kodek - Why the Law Can’t Save the Planet
Courts, Climate & Common Sense – Austria’s Supreme Court President Georg Kodek on Why the Law Can’t Save the PlanetIn this compelling episode, The Fifth Court hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL sit down with Georg Kodek, President of the Austrian Supreme Court, during the European Law Institute Conference in Vienna.He explains why courts can’t be expected to fix climate change
E133 The Fifth Court - Josepha Madigan — solicitor, former cabinet minister, family-law mediator — why mediation is gaining ground,
The Fifth Court — Episode 133 Presented by barristers Mark Tottenham and Peter Leonard.This episode opens with Josepha Madigan — solicitor, former cabinet minister and family-law mediator — on why mediation is gaining ground, what makes it work, and how practice culture is changing for clients and lawyers alike.Then Mark and Peter review three recent Decisis cases (case-note segment sponsored by C
E132 The Fifth Court - Dame Siobhán Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, evaluating expert evidence in an age of AI
LCJ Keegan on the modern courtroom — AI, experts and leadershipOn Episode 132, The Fifth Court hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham have rare access to Dame Siobhán Keegan, the Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, to discuss evaluating expert evidence in an age of AI and complex fact-finding, leadership on the bench, and the realities of administering justice in Belfast’s Royal Courts. The ep
E131 The Fifth Court - Kirk Offel, Mission-critical infrastructure expert; US Navy vet turned AI-ready datacentre CEO
E131 The Fifth CourtCo-host of the Fifth Court, Peter Leonard, BL, met with Kirk Offel at the Dublin Tech Summit, promoter of the 5th Industrial Revolution.'Data centres are the most important things to be manufactured in the world'. That's Kirk's view and that's just the beginning of this terrific chat about all things AI and Data Centres.Kirk is not your typical tech CEO. From a military family,
E130 The Fifth Court - Ukrainian Anna Mysyshyn, a leading expert in AI ethics, regulation, cybersecurity
Episode 130 – The Fifth CourtRecorded at the Dublin Tech Summit, Peter Leonard BL speaks with Ukrainian Dr. Anna Mysyshyn, a leading expert in AI ethics, regulation, cybersecurity, and digital governance. Anna holds a PhD in Law and an LL.M. in Innovation and Technology, bringing both academic depth and practical insight to one of the most pressing issues facing courts, regulators, and governments
E129 The Fifth Court - Elizabeth Winkler - was Shakespeare sole author of all 'his' works? Plenty of legals around this one.
Episode 129 The Fifth CourtElizabeth Winkler is an acclaimed literary critic and investigative journalist whose work spans some of the world’s most respected publications. She chats to Mark Tottenham BL on this episode of the Law Society of Ireland Award Winning Podcast.A graduate of Princeton with a master’s in English literature from Stanford, Elizabeth has built a reputation for fearless, insig
E128 The Fifth Court - The Boundary Commission - 100 years ago. Dr. Cormac Moore, author 'The Root of All Evil: The Irish Boundary Commission'
E128 The Fifth Court – Drawing the Line: The Story of the Irish Boundary CommissionDr. Cormac Moore – an historian with Dublin City Council’s Historian-in-Residence programme and author of Birth of the Border: The Impact of Partition in Ireland. He is a recognised authority on the politics, personalities, and legal frameworks surrounding the Irish border.It was meant to settle the border between N
E127 The Fifth Court - Matthew Holmes, author 'Habeas Corpus: Practice and Procedure
On Episode 127 of The Fifth Court, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL are joined by Matthew Holmes BL, author of Habeas Corpus: Practice and Procedure. (This is his sixth book!). They delve into the historical roots, practical applications, and enduring importance of habeas corpus in modern Irish law. Everything you need to know in 30 minutes (but you'll still want to buy the book!). He
E126 The Fifth Court - Catastrophe: Nakba II with author Fintan Drury (Legal & Human Rights Special)
Episode 126, The Fifth Court featuring – Catastrophe: Nakba II with author Fintan Drury (Legal & Human Rights Special)Fintan Drury’s Catastrophe: Nakba II is a punch in the gut—not a balanced history lesson. On The Fifth Court, we dig into the polemical argument beneath the exhaustive research, and why it reads more like a rallying cry than a neutral narrative. As a lawyer, judge, or rights ca
E125 The Fifth Court - John Brennan, former CIA head at The Centre for Justice and Law Reform Summer School 2025
Episode 125 The Fifth CourtJohn Brennan ran America’s most secretive operations as CIA director. Now he’s sharing what he learned about balancing intelligence, justice, and democracy. From briefing presidents to confronting terror, Brennan gives The Fifth Court a rare insider’s view—and explains why Ireland’s Centre for Justice and Law Reform Summer School 2025 could shape vital global conversatio
E124 The Fifth Court - Alice Doyle, Circuit Court Judge (ret.) - Justice V Vengeance, reflections on the difficulty in sentencing
Conversation from the Bench, Retired Judge Alice Doyle at the Inaugural Kilkenny Law FestivalRecorded live at the Kilkenny Law Festival, this special episode of The Fifth Court — recent Merit Award winner of the Law Society of Ireland's Awards — features a wide-ranging conversation with Retired Circuit Judge Alice Doyle. With over two decades on the bench, Judge Doyle shares rare insights into th
E123 The Fifth Court - Mark O'Connell, author 'A Thread of Violence', on the Malcolm McArthur case - from the Kilkenny Law Festival
The Murderer, the Memoirist & the Mystery That LingersOn episode 123 of The Fifth Court, we’re joined by Mark O’Connell, Irish Times contributor and author of the acclaimed A Thread of Violence, his gripping account of the life — and crimes — of Malcolm MacArthur.In conversation with barristers Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL, and recorded at the inaugural Kilkenny Law Festival 2025, O’
E122 The Fifth Court - Frank McNally, Irish Times - a Bloomsday (Legal) Special
E122 The Fifth Court Frank McNally, author of Irish Times 'An Irishman's Diary', on Bloomsday, June 16th 1904 - The many legal themes running through one of the great English language books.His cultural recommendation, 'The Third Policeman', by Flann O'BrienHis movie choice is 'All the President's Men'The episode also includes recent important cases drawn from the Decisis casebook and discussed by
E121 The Fifth Court - Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger, life and times of a High Court judge
Episode 121 of The Fifth Court is the first of a mini-series of the podcast recorded at the Kilkenny Law Festival 2025, held from May 16–18 in Kilkenny City. It offered a dynamic weekend of discussions on contemporary and historical legal topics aimed at making legal discourse accessible and engaging, blending serious analysis with entertainment - a bit like our own podcast!The event featured a di
E120 The Fifth Court - Dr. Ciara Smyth, Human Rights, Migration and Asylum Law expert, recorded at University College Galway
Dr. Ciara Smyth, a distinguished lecturer at the School of Law at University of Galway She is the Programme Director for the LLM in International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Her expertise lies in the areas of asylum law, refugee protection, and human rights.She talks about her very early experiences in post Pol Pot CambodiaShe later worked with the UN
E119 The Fifth Court - Diarmuid J. Connolly BL (now quite the 'Father of the Mayo Bar' ) - recorded at the University of Galway
E119 The Fifth CourtRecorded at the University of Galway recording studios.Hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL talk to Diarmuid J. Connolly BL (kind of 'Father of the Mayo Bar' but he's keen to correct that misnomer) a practising barrister based in County Mayo. Former UCG student Peter along with Diarmuid, start with a bit of reminiscing - including a story about men in UCG monitoring th
E118 The Fifth Court - Judge Mary Fahy (retd.) - Live from Galway thanks to GSBA
E118 The Fifth Court featuring retired judge Mary FahyJudge Mary Fahy retired from the Irish District Court on January 31, 2025, concluding a distinguished 31-year judicial career. Appointed to the bench in the early 1990s, she served in various jurisdictions, including Dublin and Galway, and was known for her commitment to accessible justice and her forthright approach to the law.Law Career Highl
E117 The Fifth Court - Paul Keane, Reddy Charlton LLP, former Honorary Consul General of Sweden (and Beekeeper!)
E117 The Fifth Court throws the spotlight on one of the country's most colourful solicitors, Paul Keane, former Managing Partner at Reddy Charlton (where he started at 17 years of age), now a consultant to that firm, as well as having been the Chair of the North Fingal Beekeepers Association!He was originally inspired by Lord Wedderburn and his legal insights. - "Company law has given me some of
E116 The Fifth Court - Edmond Honohan, 'former' Master of the High Court
E116 The Fifth Court - featuring the life and times of the "former" Master of the High Court, Edmond HonahanIs he, was he still Master? He explains how it's down to an EU interpretation.His cultural reference is the book 'Wolf Hall' (Hilary Mantel) because of a scene involving the malign influence of 'international bankers'. Hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL start with a brief mention o
E115 The Fifth Court - from the University of Limerick, former Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, SC. Part II.
Episode 115 – The Fifth CourtHe’s held one of the highest offices in the land, but what’s life really like after the robes are folded away?In this episode, Frank Clarke SC, former Chief Justice, returns to the studio for the second half of his conversation with Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL. The discussion moves effortlessly from courtroom anecdotes to reflections on the evolving nature o
E114 The Fifth Court - Former Chief Justice Frank Clarke SC - Part I.
Episode 114 The Fifth Court Former Chief Justice Frank Clarke SC - Part I.In this episode, The Fifth Court welcomes none other than Frank Clarke SC, former Chief Justice and one of Ireland’s most respected legal minds.Frank joins Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL for a relaxed and entertaining chat that ranges from the inner workings of the Supreme Court to how he’s spending his time back at
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #12
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.12 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases, taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat
E113 The Fifth Court - Dr Susan Leahy, University of Limerick, on consent.
E113 The Fifth Court Dr Susan Leahy, University of Limerick, on consent.DSBA 'Podcast of the Year'Hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL talks to Susan Leahy, Associate Professor in Law whose primary research interests are in the areas of criminal justice (with particular emphasis on sexual violence and victims of crime) and family law (specifically domestic abuse and marriage). Her thesis w
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #11
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.11 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases, taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat
E112 The Fifth Court - from the University of Limerick, Prof. Jennifer Schweppe, Co-Director, European Centre for the Study of Hate
E112 The Fifth Court'Live' from University of Limerick, hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL, are joined by Prof. Jennifer Schweppe, Co-Director, European Centre for the Study of Hate - Everything you need to know about Hate CrimeJennifer's culture choice, Jane Casey's series of books featuring Maeve Kerrigan, a police officer, solving crimes.ALSO, Why the Moon Travels, by Oein DeBhai
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #10
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.10 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases, taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat
E111 The Fifth Court - Patrick Costello
Episode 111 The Fifth CourtDSBA 'Podcast of the Year'Patrick Costello, barrister and former Green Party TD and party spokesperson on JusticeHe took the CETA (EU Canada trade agreement involving private courts) case to the Supreme CourtIf haven't delved into these private courts, this is a 'must listen'.His choice of movie: (the brilliant) My Cousin Vinnie - dir. Jonathan Lynn (Patrick wrote an es
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #9
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.9 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases, including a legal challenge by a pilot against Ryanair, taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin H
E110 The Fifth Court - Brendan Slattery, Head of Environment and Planning, McCann FitzGerald solrs.
E110 The Fifth CourtDSBA Podcast of the YearBrendan Slattery, Head of Environment and Planning, McCann FitzGerald solrs. talks to our interlocutors, Peter Leonard, BL, and Mark Tottenham, BL, about the new Planning Act (all 900 pages of it). As Peter says, what Brendan doesn't know about planning law isn't worth knowing. And, as always, there's a back story. He was once a goat farmer.You'll a
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #8
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.8 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
E109 The Fifth Court - retired High Court judge, Bernard Barton
E109 The Fifth CourtA most amusing encounter.Hosts Peter Leonard and Mark Tottenham talk to retired judge Bernard Barton, a fabulous raconteur, about his life and times, including his career as a used car salesman!Bernard Barton is a retired Irish judge who served on the High Court from 2014 until his retirement in March 2021. During his tenure, he was known for his opposition to certain judicial
E108 The Fifth Court - Ass. Prof. Dr. Thomas Mohr (UCD) on Hugh Kennedy, former AG and law reformer
E108 The Fifth Court Dr Thom Mohr on Hugh Kennedy, first Attorney General of the Irish Free State and law reformer who had some radical ideas in his time. This is a most entertaining episode, including details of little known attempts by Hugh Kennedy to disrobe judges and re robe them in the Brehon Law style (or what was his interpretation of such)Thomas Mohr is a distinguished legal scholar and e
E107 The Fifth Court - The Law Reform Commission, Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, Director of Research & Caoilin Young, Legal Researcher
E107 The Law Reform Commission, 50 years oldModernising the law. How we change the law to update it.The programme for work is laid out in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.Next year they'll be canvassing the public to find other areas of legislation that might do with some updating.The Irish Law Reform Commission is an independent statutory body responsible for reviewing and reco
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #7
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.7 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
E106 The Fifth Court - LIVE from the Law Society, Part 2 - Legal Big Bang?, Rachel Stanton, Simmons & Simmons and James Duggan, Flynn O'Driscoll
E106 The Fifth CourtDSBA 'Podcast of the Year'The Fifth Court LIVE! Part II.Presenters Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL are joined live at the Law Society by Rachel Stanton, Country Head for Ireland, Simmons & Simmons as well as by James Duggan, Managing Partner, Flynn O'Driscoll Solicitors. They discuss whether a legal Big Bang is currently unfolding at larger law firms in Ireland.Liste
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #6
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.6 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
E105 The Fifth Court - LIVE from the Law Society, Part I - Legal Big Bang?, Rachel Stanton, Simmons & Simmons and James Duggan, Flynn O'Driscoll
E105 The Fifth Court DSBA 'Podcast of the Year'The Fifth Court LIVE! Part I.Presenters Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL are joined live at the Law Society by Rachel Stanton, Country Head for Ireland, Simmons & Simmons as well as by James Duggan, Managing Partner, Flynn O'Driscoll Solicitors. They discuss whether a legal Big Bang is currently unfolding at larger law firms in Ireland.Part
E104 The Fifth Court - Griffith & Griffith, the sequel. (Follow on from E57) Cyril Griffith Junior talks about what happened next
E104 The Fifth CourtDSBA Podcast of the YearGriffith & Griffith, the sequel. (Follow on from E57, The Fifth Court) Cyril Griffith Junior talks about what happened next, Simply stunning.Cyril Griffith (son of the original Cyril Griffith) contacted the podcast to give a fascinating background about the case.This one is made for sharing with anyone who has a human pulse. Hosted on Acast. See acas
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #5
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.4 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
E103 The Fifth Court - Lucy Letby Case and the role of 'expert witnesses'
E103 The Lucy Letby Case and the role of 'expert witnesses'Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL discuss some complex legal issues around this difficult case that has made international headlines.The Lucy Letby legal case involved a neonatal nurse convicted of the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of six others at a UK hospital between 2015 and 2016. The case raised significant iss
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #4
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.4 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, who specialise in Family Law, Civil Litigation, Property
E102 The Fifth Court - Louise O'Donnell, Deputy Chair, The Labour Court
E102 The Fifth Court - Louise O'Donnell, Deputy Chair, The Labour CourtA great story about starting work in the Civil Service at 17 and her subsequent, highly successful, career. She talks about a recently published book, 'A history of the Labour Court 1946- 2021' In 2021, the Labour Court celebrated it's 75th anniversary following its establishment under Industrial Relations Act, 1946As part
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #3
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.3 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, who specialise in Family Law, Civil Litigation, Property
E101 The Fifth Court - Former Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, life and times, Part II
E101 The Fifth CourtThe second part of an informative and highly entertaining chat with former Mr. Justice Peter Kelly - President of the High Court of Ireland from 2015 to 2020 who was widely recognised for his work in complex commercial and public interest cases. He is reluctantly retired and would have loved to have continued on the bench.His cultural recommendation is the book, A Very English
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #2
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.2 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, who specialise in Family Law, Civil Litigation, Property
E100 The Fifth Court - Former Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, life and times, Part I
E100 The Fifth CourtFor its 100th episode, The Fifth Court hosts, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL, had a lengthy, informative and highly entertaining chat with former Mr. Justice Peter Kelly - President of the High Court of Ireland from 2015 to 2020 who was widely recognised for his work in complex commercial and public interest cases.He is credited with establishing Ireland’s Commercial Co
The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED #1
A bonus episode, from The Fifth Court team.Episode No.1 The Fifth Court UNPRECEDENTED - recent interesting cases taken from the Decisis.ie Law Reports casebook introduced by Mark Tottenham, BL, and Peter Leonard, BL.Brought to you thanks to Charlton's Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, of George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, who specialise in Family Law, Civil Litigation, Property
E99 The Fifth Court - Mick Clifford, author of 'Who Killed Una Lynskey', a complex and unsolved murder from the 1970s
E99 The Fifth Court.Mark Tottenham and Peter Leonard talk to Mick Clifford, author of the best-selling true-crime book, 'Who killed Una Lynskey?'This is the true story of murder and vengeance, a shattered community and a miscarriage of justice that echoes down the decades.In October 1971 nineteen-year-old Una Lynskey vanished near her home in Co. Meath. In the weeks that followed, and on flimsy gr
E98 The Fifth Court - Nelofer Pazira, recently completed work on final book of her late husband, journalist, Robert Fisk
Episode 98 of The Fifth Court podcast was recorded LIVE at the Allingham Festival in Donegal, on Friday 8 November 2024.Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL chatted to the amazing Nelofer Pazira, whose life story is quite extraordinary. She has also has recently completed work on the final book of her late husband, the renowned journalist, Robert Fisk.Nelofer Pazira is a remarkable storyteller,
E97 The Fifth Court - Michael O'Farrell, journalist, on the epic hunt to Michael Lynn to justice
Episode 97 The Fifth CourtMichael O’Farrell is a journalist for over two decades and has reported widely on matters of public interest from across the globe and at home. He is currently Investigations Editor with The Irish Mail on Sunday. His new book, ‘Fugitive: The Michael Lynn Story,’ is the true story of how he tracked down and then interviewed one of Ireland’s most notorious fugitives, former
E96 The Fifth Court - Judge Grainne Malone talks about the new Irish Court Services podcast commemorating 100 years of the Irish courts.ars
Episode 96 The Fifth Court with Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL.On this episode, Judge Gráinne Malone, a former solicitor who also qualified as a barrister but who went on the bench after only six months at the bar, and who has now served thirteen years as a judge. She talks about the new Irish Courts Service Podcast, an initiative created to commemorate the centenary of the Courts of
E95 The Fifth Court at the Kilkenomics Festival - Money-laundering, White Collar Crime - Marla Dukharan and Bill Black
Hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL chat to Marla Dukharan and Bill Black, world experts in White Collar Crime, at an early morning talk at the Kilkenomics Festival. They discuss white collar prosecutions, and the double standards applied to Caribbean countries by the OECD, as well as Bill's book, titled 'The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One' ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f
E94 The Fifth Court at the Ploughing Championships - 'agricultural solicitor' Aisling Meehan
Episode 94 Aisling Meehan, Agricultural SolicitorIt takes specialist knowledge and understanding to appreciate the problems farmers face today. Every decision is affected by legal, tax and practical considerations specific to farming business. As a qualified solicitor, tax consultant and young trained farmer, Aisling Meehan (ex William Fry) can combine all three aspects to ensure that ev
E93 The Fifth Court - Pascal Pichonnaz, ELI President and Professor at University of Fribourg,
Recorded at the 2024 ELI (European Law Institute) Annual Conference held at the Kings Inns, Dublin, where Fifth Court presenters, Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL, talk to ELI President, Professor Pascal Pichonnaz Professor Pichonnaz earned a Ph.D. that is in published form as ‘Habilitation’, a large book on the Law of Set-off. He teaches Contract Law, European Consumer Law, Roman Law and Eu
E92 The Fifth Court - Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice in England and Wales
Episode 92 The Fifth CourtSir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice in England and Wales and ELI Vice-President who attended the European Law Institute (ELI) conference in Dublin.Established in 2011, the ELI emulates the American Law Institute and focuses on advancing all areas of law across Europe and beyond. As the premier Institute of its kind in Europe, ELI brings togeth
E91 The Fifth Court -Arthur Mathews, author, Walled In By Hate: Kevin O’Higgins, (Minister for Justice, 1922-1927)
Episode 91, The Fifth CourtA slightly longer than usual edition of Ireland's favourite podcast as our hosts delve into the light and shade of Arthur Mathews new book, 'Walled In By Hate: Kevin O’Higgins, His Friends and Enemies'. Arthur is well known as co-creator of Father Ted so naturally the talk starts with a chat about the modern sitcom masterpiece, and everybody's favourite Fr. Ted
E90 The Fifth Court - Sisterly, co-founded by Jenny O'Connell, well-known SC turned entrepreneur. Life after the bar.
E90 The Fifth Court - The Vacation SittingsContinuing our series of law related interviews whilst regular presenters Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL take a well-earned break.Life after the law. On this episode, former Senior Counsel Jenny O'Connell along with her pals Louise O'Riordan and Aoife Matthews, have all given up high-powered 'real jobs' to take the entrepreneurial journey to sell
E89 The Fifth Court - Colm O'Reilly - COO Business Post Group, Chairman Newsbrands Ireland, Board member Press Council of Ireland
E89 The Fifth Court - The Vacation SittingsThis is the third of four vacation sittings of the Fifth Court.On this episode we've teamed up with our sister podcast That Great Business Show again to bring you an interview with Colm O'Reilly, COO Business Post Group, Chairman Newsbrands Ireland, Board member Press Council of Ireland. Colm discusses the laws of defamation and copyright, how it impacts
E88 The Fifth Court - Expert Witnesses gone bad - Mark Tottenham BL, an expert on expert witnesses talks expert witnesses
E88 The Fifth Court - The Vacation SittingsThis is the second of four vacation sittings of the Fifth Court. On this episode we hear our Fifth Court co-presenter turned guest, Mark Tottenham BL and an 'expert witness' expert (!) (he's written the books - plural) talk all about the importance of the 'expert witness', but we start with 'expert witnesses' gone bad. It's a long list. We also ask if it'
E87 The Fifth Court - Mediation v Litigation - The Peter Leonard interview
E87 The Fifth CourtThis is the first of four vacation sittings of the Fifth Court. On this episode we hear presenter turned guest, Peter Leonard BL and mediator, discuss the virtues of mediation versus litigation, in an interview Peter did recently with Fifth Court producer Conall O Morain, on Conall's own business podcast, That Great Business Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more
E86 The Fifth Court - Probate Made Simple, Isabella Hughes, co-founder simpleprobate.ie
E86 The Fifth Court - DSBA 'Podcast of the Year'On this episode hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL are joined by Isabella Hughes, boxer (!) and former legal executive Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors who has turned co-founder of Simple Probate, inspired by the founder's experience with probate inefficiencies. Talking to solicitors and executors highlighted the need to streamline tasks, boost
E85 The Fifth Court - Ercus Stewart SC, a barrister since 1970 and a Law Library legend
E85 The Fifth CourtA most entertaining episode of podcast as our hosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL chat to Law Library legend Ercus Stewart, a barrister for almost fifty five years during which time he has probably been involved in every type of legal case imaginable. The three even touch on Master and Servant law! His membership of associations probably tells a story or two...he's a me
E84 The Fifth Court - How to fix a dysfunctional housing market - Martin Cooney, solicitor to developers
E84 The Fifth CourtHosts Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL are joined in studio by solicitor and Partner at Byrne Wallace, Martin Cooney talking about the law and housing development. He thinks he was always was going to be a lawyer having, at the age of 12, drawn up a contract with his own mother, for payments for chores in the family home!He also is in the Army Reserve, something he recomme
E83 The Fifth Court - Big Problems with Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) - David Byrnes BL and solicitor Flor McCarthy, Founder Director of Solicitors Growth
E83 The Fifth Court Problems have emerged around new legislation around enduring powers of attorney (EPA). On this episode hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL discuss these issues, and some solutions, with David Byrnes BL and solicitor Flor McCarthy, Founder Director of Solicitors Growth, Ireland’s largest independent community of mutual support and collegiality for Irish legal profession
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