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Northern Ireland
Annual Review of Employment Law 2025
Thursday, 13 November 2025
09:00 - 16:30 ( 7 hours 30 mins )
Hybrid
The Annual Review of Employment Law is the ultimate gathering for HR practitioners seeking to elevate their knowledge, skills, and connections in the ever-changing world of employment law and HR. Significant changes in employment law are on the horizon in NI - This is a critical opportunity for HR leaders to stay informed and prepared!

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In Person Early bird
£515.00 + VAT
Virtual Early bird
£415.00 + VAT
Looking for Charity or Small Business rates? View all pricing options
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Event details
About the event?
-
Full Day Conference Duration
13th November -
Hybrid Crowne Plaza Belfast and Online
£515.00 + VAT Early bird ends 2nd October 2025 at 5:05pm. Standard rate: £565.00 + VAT Charity and Small Business rate also available
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Overview

Northern Ireland's HR Event of the Year...

The Annual Review of Employment Law returns in its hybrid format once again on 13th November 2025! Join us at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast or live online for a day filled with learning, networking, and inspiration at our flagship event. 
 
Secure your place and stay ahead of employment law developments! 
 
Significant changes in employment law are on the horizon — from recent Supreme Court decisions to a proposed ‘Good Jobs Bill’. This is a critical opportunity for HR leaders to stay informed and prepared.

Join us for a full day of expert insights, featuring leading voices from the field, including Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP, Jason Elliott BL, Patricia Coulter, Labour Relations Agency and more! We are also pleased to welcome back Mark Devenport, Journalist and Broadcaster, as Chair of the event.

This event is designed to support your strategic planning and ensure you remain at the forefront of HR practice in Northern Ireland.

Connect with peers, gain practical knowledge, and strengthen your leadership as the landscape continues to evolve.

Programme

Here's what to expect on the day so far... 

Learn more about our confirmed sessions and check back regularly for more updates!

Time
Session
08:30 am
Registration

Collect your name tag, grab a tea or coffee and browse our exhibition.

09:20 am
Main Hall
Welcome & Introduction

Mark Devenport, Journalist and Broadcaster, introduces the day ahead.

Mark devenport 1
Mark Devenport Journalist & Broadcaster
09:35 am
Main Hall
AI Revolution: HR’s on-going Earthquake

AI is not just another IT upgrade. It will fundamentally change how we upskill our employees and indeed how work gets done. It represents probably the most important workplace development since the Industrial Revolution. But how should HR professionals respond? What is hype, and what essential messages may we be missing in the overwhelm of the many AI reports and bulletins issued daily?

In this Keynote session, our Chairman, Barry Phillips, cuts through the noise to provide clear guidance on how HR professionals can assist or lead in the implementation and optimisation of AI in the workplace. Areas covered include:

  • Augmenting workforce skills using GenAI: ChatGPT or Copilot, or something else? Why the choice will shape your workplace for years to come
  • Using AI to drive new levels of efficiency: Where to start? How to identify processes for automation or AI
  • Five things the successful early adopters are doing
  • Optimising GenAI whilst keeping data safe and secure: The vital rule of ABC.
  • “Shadow use” of AI by employees and what to do about it
  • Digital coaching – we share the results of our own Legal Island pilot
  • Five GenAI tools already re-shaping the HR function
Barry Resized
Barry Phillips Chairperson, Legal Island
10:15 am
Main Hall
NI Employment Law: The 2025 Debrief

Northern Ireland’s employment law never stands still—Good Jobs proposals, Carer’s Leave, Supreme Court decisions and the impact of DEI roll‑backs in the US are just the start. Join Patricia Coulter, Patricia Coulter, Employment Relations Manager, Labour Relations Agency, for her exclusive annual deep dive on all the key shifts since last November.    

Patricia coulter 2024
Patricia Coulter Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency
11:05 am - 11:30 am

Break & Exhibition

11:30 am
Main Hall
A Solicitor’s Guide for HR: Negotiated Exits – how safe are they?

"This isn't working out… can we speak off the record?"

Think a quiet chat about an employee’s future can’t come back to bite you? Think again. If you engage in what you believe to be an informal, confidential conversation - about performance, exit packages, or settlement terms - it could later become admissible evidence in a tribunal.

Join Louise McAloon, Partner at Worthingtons as she explains how HR can safely manage sensitive conversations without triggering legal claims. Learn when to involve legal support, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why even well-meant chats can lead to constructive dismissal.

If you're an HR practitioner in Northern Ireland, this is essential knowledge. Don’t assume the law gives you cover - it often doesn’t.

Louise mcaloon
Louise McAloon Partner, Worthingtons Solicitors
Parallel Hall
Employment Law at 11(ish) LIVE!

Sure, every good podcast does a live tour - and Employment Law at 11 is no different! 

Join webinar regulars Seamus McGranaghan of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and Legal Island’s very own Christine Quinn live and in-person for one morning only. 

The chat you know and love, but this time it’s off mute, on the ground, and happening right here!

Seamus mcgranaghan 2021
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Christine Quinn
Christine Quinn Knowledge Partner, Legal Island

Allow 5 minutes for change over between sessions

12:20 pm
Main Hall
Top NI Employment Cases of 2025: Insights and Implications

Jason Elliott BL breaks down the key Northern Ireland cases from 2025, using real-life examples to share practical lessons, highlight common pitfalls, and help you better protect your organisation. 

NOTE: Subjects covered in this session may vary from those shown and will focus on the most important NI cases by November 2025.

Jason elliott new
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Lecturer of Law, Ulster University
Balancing Beliefs and Inclusion: Zero Tolerance Tested

It sounds simple - zero tolerance on discrimination. But recent case law shows the reality is far more complex. The Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers made headlines for clarifying the legal definition of a 'woman', but it’s just one piece in a broader legal puzzle HR must navigate.

In this session, Paul Gillen, Partner and Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Lewis Silkin unpacks the legal tensions between protected beliefs, freedom of expression, and workplace conduct - and what this means for HR teams trying to uphold inclusive values without crossing into legal risk.

Paul will explore:

  • Grainger: The test for philosophical belief - and what HR should focus on

  • Forstater: Why the legal protection of certain beliefs matters, even when those beliefs clash with workplace culture

  • Higgs: When social media expression triggers dismissal pressure - and what HR can learn from how the courts weighed it up.

  • For Women Scotland: What the UK Supreme Court’s ruling means for legal definitions — and the ECNI’s stance and roadmap for NI.

Expect sharp legal insight, practical takeaways, and a clear-eyed look at how HR can uphold values while managing legal exposure.

Paul Gillen 2025
Paul Gillen Partner, Lewis Silkin
13:05 pm

Lunch & Exhibition

14:00 pm
Main Hall
Toxic Culture, Legal Consequences: HR’s Role in Breaking the Cycle

A toxic workplace culture isn’t just a morale issue - it can expose employers to serious legal risk. This session will give senior HR professionals the legal insight needed to identify, address, and prevent cultural issues before they escalate into costly claims. 

Gareth Walls of A&L Goodbody will explain: 

  • What are the legal liabilities for employers when toxic culture contributes to grievances, harassment, or discrimination claims? 

  • How can HR lawfully and effectively intervene when senior leaders are part of the problem? 

  • What steps must be taken to demonstrate a legally robust approach to culture change?

  • When poor management becomes negligence - and how to reduce exposure

  • Where psychological safety fits into legal duties of care -separating trend from obligation

  • When HR overreaches – trying to find the right balance.

A practical and eye-opening session for HR professionals navigating the blurred line between workplace wellbeing and legal liability.

Gareth walls 2022
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group
Parallel Hall
5 GenAI Tools No HR Professional Should be Without

Aaron Windrum, Principal Human Resources Consultant

Aaron windrum
Aaron Windrum HR Director

Allow 5 minutes for change over between sessions

14:50 pm
Main Hall
Regulating AI in Northern Ireland Workplaces – Key Strategies for HR Leaders

With Sarah Cochrane, Partner, Carson McDowell

Sarah Cochrane 2025
Sarah Cochrane Partner, Carson McDowell
Parallel Hall
Culture Shifts to Recruit & Retain: Inspiring stories from NI Employers

Join Denise Collins of Forebee Consulting for an engaging conversation with two forward-thinking employers transforming how they attract, retain and support their people. 

Kerri Smyth from Newry’s Kukoon, a family-run business, will discuss how embedding the Myers-Briggs colour personality model has helped create more balanced teams, boost retention, and enhance collaboration.

Meanwhile, Laura Lavery from PA Consulting will be talking about simple, practical, and progressive measures you can take in your business to ensure you are creating an inclusive workplace with fair access to opportunity for all. We’ll be looking at policies, working environment, and tailoring support to the needs of your employees. 

This session will explore:

  • How progressive employee policies can support inclusion and retention - even in competitive sectors

  • Can personality profiling tools meaningfully support diversity and team performance?

  • What practical approaches can senior HR leaders take back to their own organisations? 

Denise Collins
Denise Collins ForeBee Consulting
15:35 pm - 15:45 pm

Break

15:45 pm
Main Hall
What’s Next for NI Employment Law

Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP looks ahead to what 2026 might hold for employment law and shares practical steps you can take now to stay ahead of the curve -reducing risk and making the most of what’s coming…..

NOTE: The contents of this session may change to reflect the most important and latest developments that are expected for 2026 as at November 2025 and that are not covered elsewhere in detail at this event.

Ciara fulton 2021
Ciara Fulton Partner & Head of Office, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Parallel Hall
AI and the Future of Work – Transforming Tomorrow's Workplace Today

AI is reshaping work faster than ever – are you ready? HR leaders face growing pressure as roles, skills, and teams evolve, and organisational impact comes under scrutiny. In this session, James Ryan from Work Matters challenges leaders to reimagine what only humans can do: The Human Edge. He will unpack how HR organisations can move from overwhelm and busyness to agility, empathy, and high performance, offering a vision for designing organisations that are more human in a time of shifting talent, work, and values. 

James will cover: 

  • Reimagining roles, upskilling teams, and transforming your talent strategy to channel the human edge in an AI-driven world
  • Creating agile, high-performing teams that thrive in hybrid and tech-enabled workplaces
  • Fixing critical gaps in leadership, organisational design, and culture while embedding empathy and inclusion 

  • Leveraging uniquely human strengths to drive sustainable, high-performance results 

    Leave this session ready to act with confidence, leading people and organisations through today’s rapid changes while making work more human.

Jams ryan work matters
James Ryan Senior Consultant, Work Matters
16:30 pm

Conference Ends

Testimonials

Feedback that speaks volumes...

Here's what previous attendees of the Annual Review of Employment Law had to say:

"Content was exactly what I needed in this very moment. Lunch was great to network. Organisation was impeccable. Nice touch to offer fruit - didn't get any but appreciated this. Also loved that this was a zero waste event. Well done."
Katrina Deas General Manager, Tara Centre
"It was extremely well organised and the presentations were pitched perfectly. I found it a very useful overview of the developments in employment law over the last 12 months with informed insight into what expect in the next 12."
Suzanne McKeown Legal Officer, Equality Commission for NI
"Terrific and relevant event - really well organised, loads of fun, tons or learning and takeaways. [Great] pointers on what's coming next, allowing me to plan ahead."
Scott Alexander Mediator, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
"An established, well-run and informative event, with plenty of event staff available. Sessions ran on and kept to time, excellent range of topics and speakers. I really liked that the digital materials, speakers slides/notes were immediately available."
Adele Davidson Diversity Inclusion & Staff Wellbeing Manager, Queen's University Belfast
"Once again an excellently put together event. Kudos to the LI team for making it all run so smoothly. [Lots of] relevant topics and engaging presenters."
Robert Magee HR Manager, Oxfam Ireland
"Another excellent Annual Review of Employment Law. Wouldn't miss it, look forward to it every year! I recommend Legal Island to all of my HR colleagues."
Jacqui Dornan Group HR Manager, Hinch Distillery
Presenters
Explore the presenters on the day
Sarah Cochrane Partner, Carson McDowell
Sarah Cochrane Partner, Carson McDowell
Sarah Cochrane 2025

Sarah Cochrane joined the Employment Team at Carson McDowell in 2012. Sarah attained a degree in law (LLB Honours) from Queens University in 2005 before embarking on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law in Chester later that year. Sarah trained with DAC Beachcroft LLP in Manchester and qualified as a solicitor into the Employment & Pensions Team in 2009.

Sarah is dual qualified in England & Wales and Northern Irish law. She provides practical employment advice to employers from a wide variety of industries throughout the UK. This advice and assistance is given mainly to Human Resource officials and management and ranges from day to day ad hoc issues to more detailed, complex advice and project work. Sarah acts for clients in defending claims in the Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal. Sarah also assists Carson McDowell’s Corporate Team by providing employment advice in relation to mergers and acquisitions.

Sarah is a committee member of the Employment Law Group for Northern Ireland and a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Denise Collins ForeBee Consulting
Denise Collins ForeBee Consulting
Denise Collins

Forebee Consulting was established in February 2025 by Denise Collins. Denise is an accomplished HR professional with over 25 years of experience across sectors including human pharmaceuticals, FMCG, animal health, and energy. Formerly a Global HR Director, she has led strategic HR transformations in unionised and non-unionised environments, both locally and internationally.

Her decade at Norbrook Laboratories saw her lead award-winning cultural change, employee engagement, and internal communications strategies, positioning the company as an employer of choice. For over 17 years, Denise has been a member of executive leadership teams, working in partnership with CEOs to support business goals through effective people & culture strategies.

Denise is passionate about supporting others, both in the workplace & in the community. She developed and led the WeCare programme – an award-winning community and employee engagement initiative that achieved exceptional levels of employee participation and made a lasting social impact. She has received recognition for her efforts, including Business in the Community Impact in your Community; Fundraising Award from Cancer Focus NI and Appreciation Award from Southern Area Hospice Services. Denise is a Board Director at Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.

Patricia Coulter Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency
Patricia Coulter Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency
Patricia coulter 2024

Patricia Coulter is a Chartered Member of CIPD and has worked with the Labour Relations Agency for almost 30 years, having begun her career in HR Management in the Shipbuilding & Railway Industries. She is currently in the Role of Knowledge Manager and has extensive experience in advising on Employment Law matters and in delivering training on a wide variety of employment law topics. During her time in the Labour Relations Agency Patricia has also managed the Conciliation Service, including overseeing the introduction of Early conciliation, has conciliated on collective disputes, delivered facilitations and as a qualified workplace mediator has facilitated both group and individual mediations.

Mark Devenport Journalist & Broadcaster
Mark Devenport Journalist & Broadcaster
Mark devenport 1

Mark Devenport is a Journalist, Broadcaster and Commentator. He is a former BBC NI Political Editor, and contributor for newspapers including the Irish Times, Belfast Telegraph, Belfast Newsletter & Daily Mirror NI.

Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Lecturer of Law, Ulster University
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Lecturer of Law, Ulster University
Jason elliott new
LinkedIn

Jason Elliott was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2013 and is the Associate Head of School of Law at Ulster University.  As a practising barrister, he has developed a largely civil practice representing individuals, companies and public bodies in litigation. This covers a wide range of areas including personal injuries, wills and employment law. In terms of employment law, he has represented both applicants and respondents in the Industrial Tribunal.   At Ulster University, Jason lectures extensively on the civil areas of practise such as Equity and Trusts and delivers employment law lectures for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Ciara Fulton Partner & Head of Office, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Ciara Fulton Partner & Head of Office, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Ciara fulton 2021
LinkedIn

Ciara Fulton is partner and Head of Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP.

Ciara is dual qualified and advises on all aspects of employment law in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. She has significant experience of advising clients on the full range of employment issues including complex discrimination issues, bullying and harassment claims, disciplinary and grievance matters, business reorganisations, senior executive severances, restrictive covenants, employment related litigation and TUPE.

Ciara’s approach is to partner with clients providing practical, commercial advice to resolve HR issues whether contentious or non-contentious. Ciara works with a variety of sectors with particular experience in the construction and infrastructure sector.

Ciara regularly speaks on a range of employment issues at internal and external events and delivers bespoke training to clients on the differences between NI and ROI employment law. Ciara is a member of the Employment Lawyers Group and the NI Representative for the Employment Lawyers Association. Ciara is also a legally qualified member of the Appeals Tribunals NI.

Paul Gillen Partner, Lewis Silkin
Paul Gillen Partner, Lewis Silkin
Paul Gillen 2025

Paul is a partner in Lewis Silkin’s Employment, Immigration and Reward division based in Belfast. He is qualified in England & Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He provides cross jurisdiction and comparative law advice to clients throughout the UK and Ireland. Paul advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters, including HR support, mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, executive management, performance management, TUPE, outsourcing, discrimination law, and a full range of employment litigation.

Prior to training as a lawyer Paul had more than a decade of experience working in in-house HR roles, including being Head of HR, across sectors covering retail, construction, manufacturing and logistics.

Paul is a Band 1 ranked Employment Partner in Northern Ireland, Chambers noting his ‘wealth of experience assisting clients with a broad range of employment matters including TUPE and post-acquisition restructuring, in addition to day-to-day HR support.’

Louise McAloon Partner, Worthingtons Solicitors
Louise McAloon Partner, Worthingtons Solicitors
Louise mcaloon

Louise leads and manages the employment department, which is currently the largest employment law practice in Northern Ireland.

With over 18 years’ experience in employment law, Louise’s knowledge and attention to detail provide an innovative approach that her clients appreciate in relation to complex areas of Public Interest Disclosure, Equal Pay, Discrimination and Unfair Dismissal.  She works closely with employers across the public, private and third sectors and regularly advises on restructuring issues including individual and collective redundancies and the application and implication of TUPE. Louise has a detailed understanding of her clients’ needs and is known for her constructive and pragmatic advice on internal employment issues and providing advice and representation in defence of all categories of employment claims before the tribunals and civil courts.

Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Seamus mcgranaghan 2021
LinkedIn

Seamus McGranaghan qualified as a Solicitor in O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors in 2003 and is an experienced Commercial Lawyer dealing with employment, commercial and education cases.

He has experience in the Industrial Tribunal representing both Claimants and Respondents and has provided seminars in relation to particular areas of employment law. Seamus is the only member of the Education and Law Association in Northern Ireland. He specialises in advising schools and colleges on policy matters, employment issues and student welfare. He is also responsible for the Education Law Quarterly Review.

In addition to having contributed at Legal Island’s Education Updates since 2010, Seamus in association with Legal Island provides a live “Employment Law @ 11” webinar on the first Friday of each month, dealing with all aspects of Employment law affecting Northern Irish employers.

Barry Phillips Chairperson, Legal Island
Barry Phillips Chairperson, Legal Island
Barry Resized
LinkedIn

Barry Phillips (CEO) BEM founded Legal Island in 1998. He is a qualified barrister, trainer, coach and meditator and a regular speaker both here and abroad. He also volunteers as mentor to aspiring law students on the Migrant Leaders Programme.

Barry has trained hundreds of HR Professionals on how to use GenAI in the workplace and is author of the book “ChatGPT in HR – A Practical Guide for Employers and HR Professionals” 

Barry is an Ironman and lists Russian language and wild camping as his favourite pastimes

Christine Quinn Knowledge Partner, Legal Island
Christine Quinn Knowledge Partner, Legal Island
Christine Quinn
LinkedIn

Christine joined Legal Island in June 2021 and is a qualified (non-practising) employment solicitor in both NI and GB. She has a wealth of experience in the legal, voluntary and in-house sectors, as a solicitor and paralegal, in both London and Northern Ireland. She trained at a leading London human rights firm and qualified into their employment and discrimination department, before joining the BBC’s in-house employment law team. Christine subsequently worked representing members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) before taking a career break to run her own small business. Her return to law saw her join the Law Centre (NI) as interim Head of Employment law, before her move to Legal Island.

James Ryan Senior Consultant, Work Matters
James Ryan Senior Consultant, Work Matters
Jams ryan work matters

James Ryan, Senior Consultant at Work Matters Ltd, brings 30+ years of expertise in Technology and HR. A passionate coach and consultant, James specialises in fostering organisational adaptivity through innovative tech solutions and modern ways of working. With a Degree in Electronics and Information Systems, a Masters in Interactive Digital Technologies plus qualifications in HR, Employment Law, Predictive Analytics, and AI for Business, James uniquely blends technical acumen with people-focused insights to help organisations shape the future of work.

Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group
Gareth walls 2022

Gareth Walls is a Partner and Head of the A&L Goodbody's Employment group in Belfast. Gareth represents a number of local, national and international brands in business support, strategic workforce planning and high-profile tribunal matters. He also has significant experience advising stakeholders on complex redundancy, re-structuring and TUPE issues. Gareth is an accomplished commercial litigator with particular emphasis on procurement challenges and injunctive relief in the Employment context, as well as being a sought-after speaker on Employment issues in Northern Ireland.

Damian McAlister Chief People Officer
Damian McAlister Chief People Officer
Damian mcalister

Damian McAlister is Chief People Officer in Ulster University. Prior to joining the University in 2018 Damian worked within the NI Health and Social Care system and from 2014 – 2018 was the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Prior to this Damian was the Human Resources Director for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and also worked as a Co-Director within HR in the Belfast Trust.

Damian also had 18 years within the Northern Ireland Civil Service, working at various junior, middle and senior management grades across a number of Government Departments including the Social Security Agency, Child Support Agency and Department of Health.

Within his role in the Department of Health Damian was responsible for Workforce Policy within the HR Directorate. Within this role he was the NI Representative on new national pay systems for NHS staff and then overseen implementation of the new employment arrangements in Northern Ireland for the 70,000 staff who work in our health and social care system. Damian also represented NI on the NHS Staff Council, the national partnership and negotiation forum for NHS Employers and Trade Unions addressing pay and terms and conditions matters for the 1million staff who work in the NHS in the UK.

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing...

Keeping up with fast-changing employment law can mean hours of research, costly briefings, or expensive external advice. That’s why so many HR professionals choose our Annual Review—one focused day of expert-led insights, covering everything that matters, at a fraction of the cost.

In Person
Early bird offer
£515.00 + VAT Standard Rate: £565.00 + VAT Early bird ends 2nd October 2025 at 5:05pm
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Virtual
Early bird offer
£415.00 + VAT Standard Rate: £465.00 + VAT Early bird ends 2nd October 2025 at 5:05pm
Early bird offer ends in:
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More Charity & Small Business pricing
In Person Standard Rate: £465.00 + VATEarly Bird: £415.00 + VAT (Ends 2nd October 2025 at 5:05pm)
More Charity & Small Business pricing
Online Standard Rate: £365.00 + VATEarly Bird: £315.00 + VAT (Ends 2nd October 2025 at 5:05pm)