This week in our MHC Life series, we speak to Employment Associate Lorcan Maule. Lorcan tells us about what piqued his interest in Employment law and what makes a holiday memorable.
Tell us a bit about you and your career journey to MHC – what inspired you to get into this career?
I wasn't sure what I wanted to study when I finished school. So I thought I would try and get the best of both world by studying business and law in UCD. Throughout the degree I realised I favoured the law subject more heavily and focused my degree in that direction. After the degree I was still unsure if I wanted to pursue law professionally and ended up working in a professional services firm in HR where I realised I wanted to pursue employment law. After my year in professional services, I studied for a Masters in UCC and did my FE1s. I then did a traineeship in an international law firm in Dublin and it is where I got an interest in education and employment law. When I qualified, I moved to a trade union which gave me great exposure to plaintiff litigation. I then joined the MHC Employment Law & Benefits team in 2021, acting in particular for educational institutes.
Favourite thing about your role?
I like the problem solving and strategy behind the practice of law. Trying to anticipate and think about what the other side will do or prepare a great defence prior to any litigation being initiated. We were recently involved in a piece of litigation involving an expulsion of a student and the Court were able to point to our letters, highlighting the flaws of the other sides case when siding with our client's defence. It was pretty satisfying in being able to call it right in advance of any claim being initiated.
Talk us through a typical day for you
My 6am alarm goes off earlier than I tend to get up and the snooze button is hit repeatedly. I try and get some training done in the gym before heading to work along with a boat load of caffeine.
I have recently moved houses and instead of a refreshing 25 minute to work I now am crammed onto public transport. However, the bus would usually have me in the office just before 9am.
Recently I have had a number of hearings which can either be in Dublin or in some far-flung county in the west of Ireland. Otherwise usually my day consists of zoom calls with clients and email advices to deal with. The best thing about my job is that it is really varied. I work with a lot of educational bodies and advise on all types of issues that might affect them. There is no typical day, which helps to keep things very interesting.
In the evenings, given the longer days I try and get out for a long walk. Otherwise, I would usually end up watching a bit of TV.
What sports/hobbies/pastimes do you enjoy?
Anything to do with water and I have done it, sea swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, water polo, sailing, rowing and tetrathlon are all some of the many sports I have done. Unfortunately, most of these sports I only get to do when I go on a holiday now. However, most days you will find me in the gym doing some sort of strength training.
What was your first job?
I worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. I had great notions that I was going to be the next David Hasselhoff.
What's your idea of a perfect holiday/favourite place you've ever visited?
I am a very outdoor person, so I love a holiday with an activity involved, whether that be hiking, swimming, or being on the water. However most importantly food is essential for any perfect holiday.
I was in Austin, Texas a year ago and thought it was a very cool city, it had great food, great music and a great outdoors scene with lots of things to do. Would recommend.
I am in the process of planning my holiday to Naples and Sicily this year and no doubt will eat my weight in pasta and pizza.
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