Ennis woman nominated as judge

Ennis solicitor, Marie Keane has been nominated by the Government for appointment by the President as a judge to the District Court.

He appointment, along with that of Mr John King, arise from the elevation to the Circuit Court of His Hon. Judge Eugene O’Kelly and the recent retirement of Judge Eamon O’Brien on 24 January 2015.

A partner in the firm of [John] Callinan Keane; after her early education,Marie studied at the National University of Ireland, Galway, qualifying with a BA (1988) and LLB (1991), and the Law Society – Solicitors Professional Course in 1994.

She also has qualifications in commercial property, mental health law and in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

She is a member of the Family Law Committee of the Law Society, a founding member of the Family Law Mediation Group and a member of the panel for the Mental Health Commission.

Marie has been at the forefront of new legal developments since the recent property crash and recession in Ireland. With indebtedness and family break-up often affecting property transactions and family finances, Marie has seen the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. In these processes, people continue to have legal representation but the mediation process is faster and cheaper. Marie has undertaken specific training in this area and has helped many families to move on after achieving quick, fair and cost-effective solutions.

Marie has carved out a strong reputation for the quality of her research and litigation in medico-legal and family law cases. These include child abductions under the Hague Convention, complicated probate issues involving living wills and power of attorney determinations.