North West Solicitor Michelle McLoughlin talks to DW about clarity, communication and the unpredictability of legal matters ahead of her appearance at Women's Inspire Donegal.

Michelle McLaughlin – M. McLoughlin & Co.

Sligo-based Solicitor Michelle McLoughlin has a passion for helping businesses manage legal matters and reach their goals.

Which means she’s an ideal speaker for the Women’s Inspire Network seminar, which is making its way to Harvey’s Point in Donegal on April 10th 2019.

Michelle is one of a leading line-up of expert speakers sharing tips, inspiration and key advice for business growth on the day.

With a background in legal and business consultancy, Michelle will be discussing how to get comfortable with accountability in a new way.

Ahead of this insightful talk, DW caught up with Michelle to hear her own business story:

Me and My Business: Michelle McLaughlin – M. McLoughlin & Co. Solicitors Sligo

I am a business legal adviser (aka solicitor), business consultant and a problem solver.

In my legal business (M. McLoughlin & Co. Solicitors) I assist with business and company law matters including contracts, data protection, employment law, intellectual property and terms and conditions. I also provide assistance with gift and inheritance tax and capital gains tax.

The business consultancy and training business, Train With Us, provides assistance to businesses and it aims to step in and help business owners and managers so that matters are addressed before they become “legal”.

I provide business training on compliance matters, consumer law, data protection (GDPR), employment law and the protection of intellectual property rights. I can come into a business and provide customised training relevant to their specific needs as well as group training for businesses. I am a regular lecturer for the Law Society of Ireland.

I also offer one to one business consultancy to business owners and managers through my Business SOS service where I use my 20 years of business and legal experience. This service focuses on swift action by the business owners and managers and includes an accountability service so that there is support where we work out a plan to immediately implement business decisions with a one month follow up to ensure accountability.

I have the ability to see all the competing issues and to explore the best decision that the client is comfortable to implement.

Michelle McLaughlin – M. McLoughlin & Co.

How I got to where I am today:

I wanted to be a solicitor since about the age of 12 and starting out training in Sligo.

For my first 10 years in business after qualifying, I moved and worked in different law firms in Dublin. I relocated back to the North West in 2009 and base myself out of Sligo now and I work with clients throughout Ireland.

I started out practicing law as a solicitor where I help businesses with their legal requirements. I have since developed my services to also cover legal training for businesses and business consultancy for business owners as the service that I provide is much broader than mere legal advice.

The most valuable things I have learned about business over the years:

Clarify matters rather than make assumptions. It is best to document everything as it avoids future misunderstandings and problems. Communicate in a timely manner. Being reasonable will resolve most matters. Seek help as you cannot do everything on your own.

My business network:

I have had great support over the years from the Local Enterprise Offices. I am a firm believer in networking and in assisting and supporting each other in business. I am a member of the Sligo Women in Business Network as a local support network for small business.

I have a small group of other women business owners from a variety of backgrounds and we come together and support one another.

Women’s Inspire Network offers a similar support in an online environment and the events are a great opportunity to physically meet friends developed online.

The most rewarding thing about my work:

I enjoy the variety of work and that no two businesses are the same. I love that I do not know what each day will bring when I receive new queries from clients which can be an urgent legal matter that must be addressed immediately to helping them to plan and implement future plans.

On the business consultancy side I enjoy helping others take action and achieve their potential.

Who or what inspires me to succeed:

I have a desire to help others and share my business experience with others.

I aim to demystify legal rules and obligations to make it easier for a business to comply with its obligations.

My goals for the future:

To keep contributing to those starting off in business and to inspire others to believe that they can achieve whatever they decide to pursue.

To ensure that everyone who works with me gets the opportunity to achieve their potential.


Got a query for Michelle? You can contact her on the website below or follow her on social media at:

mmcloughlinsolicitors.com – https://www.trainwithus.ie/

twitter.com/MichelleMcLoug5www.facebook.com/mmcloughlinsolicitorwww.linkedin.com/in/michellesolicitortrainer


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