4 legal training areas that will shape 2026

Understanding training trends helps organisations plan effectively for the year ahead. In 2025, we observed significant shifts in demand for practical legal skills training across Irish public and private sectors.

Four key areas emerged as priorities for organisations addressing real workplace challenges.

Conflict management and de-escalation: meeting growing safety concerns

Demand for conflict management and de-escalation training increased substantially throughout 2025. This growth reflects heightened awareness of workplace safety, particularly for employees who work alone or face direct public interaction.

Several sectors showed especially strong uptake. Healthcare workers requested training to manage challenging patient interactions. Credit unions sought skills to handle difficult conversations around financial stress. National Parks and Wildlife staff, Customs and Excise officers, regulatory officers, and local authority staff all reported increased conflict situations requiring professional responses.

The training addresses a genuine gap. Many employees receive minimal guidance on handling tense situations despite facing them regularly. Participants learn to recognise early warning signs, adjust communication approaches, and maintain personal safety whilst remaining professional.

Feedback consistently highlights the practical value. One healthcare professional noted the course was “very enjoyable and interactive” and would recommend it “to anyone in a job that could face conflict.” Another participant observed it was “well worth attending and will come in very useful.” With 249 reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, the training clearly meets a pressing need.

The skills also transfer well beyond the workplace. Several participants mentioned the personal benefits of understanding conflict dynamics and communication techniques.

Looking into 2026, we expect demand to remain strong. Organisations increasingly recognise that conflict management is not a soft skill but a safety requirement. Access the course page here

Expert witness skills: three decades of specialist training

La Touche Training has delivered expert witness training for over 30 years. Rather than plateauing, demand has intensified. More Irish experts are entering the field across disciplines including engineering, medicine, finance, and environmental science. Existing experts recognise the need to update their skills as court expectations evolve.

Through our partnership with Bond Solon, we have trained numerous UK experts preparing to work in Ireland. This cross-border dimension adds complexity. Experts must understand different procedural requirements, evidential standards, and courtroom cultures.

The training addresses practical challenges. How should an expert respond to aggressive cross-examination? What makes a report credible and defensible? When should an expert decline an instruction? These questions require specific answers grounded in courtroom realities.

Interest has grown sufficiently to support our 7th Expert Witness Conference scheduled for May 2026. This will be the largest gathering of experts in Ireland, bringing together practitioners from multiple disciplines to share experiences and examine emerging issues.

Courts increasingly scrutinise expert evidence. Judges expect higher standards of independence and rigour. Experts who lack proper training risk damaging both their reputation and their clients’ cases.

For 2026, we anticipate sustained interest from new experts seeking initial training and experienced practitioners wanting advanced skills. Browse the Expert Witness page here

Investigation skills: filling the professional development gap

Many investigators receive initial training when appointed but limited input thereafter. Their skills can stagnate whilst investigation complexity increases. Digital evidence, data protection requirements, and sophisticated interview techniques all demand continuous learning.

Three courses address different aspects of investigation work. Investigative interviewing teaches evidence-gathering techniques that withstand scrutiny. Open source internet investigations covers digital research methods and online evidence collection. The investigative decision making masterclass examines how investigators assess information, manage bias, and reach defensible conclusions.

The training gap is particularly evident in regulatory and compliance roles. Investigators often come from operational backgrounds without formal investigation training. They learn through experience, which can mean repeating others’ mistakes. Structured training accelerates skill development and reduces costly errors.

Workplace investigations also require these skills. HR professionals, employee relations specialists, and compliance officers conduct investigations into grievances, disciplinary matters, and potential misconduct. The quality of their investigation directly affects employment tribunal outcomes.

For 2026, we will emphasise the progressive nature of these courses. Initial training provides foundations. Advanced training deepens expertise. Continuous professional development maintains currency as investigation practices evolve. See all Investigations courses here

Accident investigation, root cause analysis, and risk management

Early 2025 showed good traction for accident investigation and root cause analysis training. The skills remain relevant as organisations face continued pressure to prevent incidents and manage safety risks effectively.

Root cause analysis requires disciplined methodology to examine underlying factors including organisational culture, resource allocation, and management systems. Risk management training complements accident investigation. Organisations benefit from both preventing incidents before they occur and learning effectively when they do.

Several sectors showed particular interest. Construction, manufacturing, and transport organisations face obvious safety imperatives. However, healthcare, education, and professional services also require robust accident investigation processes.

For 2026, we see opportunity to re-emphasise these courses. The regulatory environment also drives demand. Health and safety legislation requires competent investigation. Insurance considerations favour organisations demonstrating systematic risk management. Register to attend the next Advanced Accident Investigation 2 day online course here

Looking forward

These four training areas share common characteristics. All address practical workplace challenges. All require specific skills rather than general knowledge. All benefit from regular updating as contexts change.

For 2026, we expect these trends to continue. Organisations facing resource constraints prioritise training with demonstrable impact. Skills-based courses that participants can apply immediately meet this requirement.

La Touche Training remains committed to delivering practical legal skills training that meets real workplace needs. The courses that succeeded in 2025 did so because they solved genuine problems for organisations and individuals. That principle will guide our training development throughout 2026.

Strategic training investment supports both workforce capability and regulatory obligations.

If your organisation is planning training for 2026, browse our website or contact our team to discuss how these courses can address your specific challenges.