Speech to the Bar Leaders’ Conference

Speaking at the 12^th Annual IBA Bar Leaders’ Conference on 24 May 2017, Mr Gilhooly discussed the greater competition and more complex regulatory environment facing Irish firms, along with the competitive advantages that they also enjoy. He also called for efforts to maintain a strong and close relationship with the UK despite the Brexit negotiations.

“The future of the legal profession – both in Ireland and the UK – will face great strains over coming years. I have no doubt the Irish legal profession will be in a continued state of transition for the foreseeable future,” he remarked. But I have great optimism that if we identify and act upon the competitive advantages that Brexit will bring, then we can emerge a stronger and more central force within the EU and continue to be a close ally of our UK neighbours.”

• View the press release: Law Society President outlines major changes, opportunities post-Brexit
• View the full text of Stuart Gilhooly's speech at the 12th Annual Bar Leaders' Conference

President and Council of the Law Society

The Law Society of Ireland is governed by a Council, comprising elected and nominated members of the solicitors’ profession. A new Council is elected every year in November and delegates statutory functions to a range of Committees. A President and Vice-Presidents are also elected each year from elected Council members.

• Read more about our current President
• Read more about our Council and Committees