A&L Goodbody ‘Bold Ideas Student Innovation Award’

With data protection and privacy looming large for Irish businesses ahead of the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) next year, A&L Goodbody, one of Ireland’s leading corporate law firms is seeking new, ‘Bold Ideas’ to encourage companies to choose Ireland for their data regulation requirements.

The firm recently launched its 2017 Bold Ideas Student Innovation Award, by asking university students of all disciplines, to think of their ‘Bold Idea’ to promote Ireland as the global centre for data and to encourage businesses to establish here.

At the launch, A&L Goodbody also announced its intention to recruit over 30 graduate positions over the coming months as part of its Trainee Solicitor Recruitment Programme.

Now in its sixth year, Bold Ideas recognises the most innovative ideas from undergraduate or postgraduate students at universities across Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the competition, John Whelan, Head of A&L Goodbody’s International Technology Practice commented: “This is an exciting time for Ireland as companies prepare for the introduction of GDPR and the “one-stop-shop system” on 25 May 2018. We are asking students to come up with a Bold Idea to see what Ireland can do to make itself a better place for regulation, and a jurisdiction of choice for multi-nationals considering their European data privacy obligations and requirements. We want students to think creatively, building their Bold Idea on Ireland’s reputation for attracting foreign direct investment.”

The first prize winner of the competition will receive €4,000 in cash and a summer internship at A&L Goodbody’s head office in Dublin. The firm will also make a cash donation on the winner’s behalf to a charity of their choice. Runners up will each receive an iPad mini. Members of the public will also be invited to vote for their favourite Bold Ideas submission, by visiting the firm’s Trainee and Intern Facebook page.