Shaping Ireland's legal future

2024 statistics on the solicitors’ profession provide valuable insights into the future trajectory of legal services, the potential for long-term sustainability, and the sector’s ability to adapt to society’s needs. Mark Garrett reports

The Irish legal profession, like many sectors globally, has experienced a turbulent, yet resilient, few years.

Despite the setbacks caused by global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has demonstrated adaptability and has largely returned to its pre-pandemic employment levels.

As the Irish legal landscape continued to evolve in 2024, certain key issues remain prominent – the demand for legal services, the cost of those services, and the accessibility of the profession itself.

A deeper dive into these critical themes provides insight into the future trajectory of legal services in Ireland, the potential for long-term sustainability, and the sector’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of society.

A mixed outlook

In 2024, the demand for legal services in Ireland reveals an upward trajectory driven by several factors, including an expanding economy and increasing complexity in commercial, financial, and technological sectors.

According to the SOLAS National Skills Bulletin 2024, employment in the sector saw a rise of 2,800 in 2023, with over 16,300 professionals employed. This marks a return to pre-pandemic levels and highlights the resilience of the sector, with solicitors making up the majority of those employed.

In 2024, the number of solicitors on the Roll has continued to grow, with over 12,000 practising solicitors registered with the Law Society. The average annual growth rate over the past five years stands at 3.7%, which is among the highest for those in legal and security occupations.

Notably, large law firms based in Dublin and Cork report a generally positive outlook, reflecting the buoyancy of the wider economy and an increased intake of trainee solicitors.

ByrneWallace and LK Shields merged to become Byrne Wallace Shields LLP on 1 January 2025

This trend is largely driven by Ireland’s growing role as a hub for global financial services, life sciences, aviation, and technology industries – sectors requiring specialist legal expertise.

As these industries expand, so too does the demand for highly skilled solicitors, particularly those with experience in complex legal matters like mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and international trade law.

Looming challenge

However, the story is not entirely one of growth and optimism. Smaller, regional firms report a more cautious sentiment, with many facing unique challenges, such as recruitment and retention issues.

A significant portion of solicitors in these smaller practices are over 50 years of age. With a large number of these expected to retire in the coming years, the future sustainability of these law firms remains uncertain.

The 65% of sole practitioners aged 50+ indicates a looming challenge in the availability of legal services in rural areas unless new strategies for succession planning and workforce development are implemented.

A suite of targeted supports is required to safeguard access to small legal practices in rural communities.

Affordability of legal services

The cost of legal services remains a contentious issue in Ireland, with ongoing debates about whether these services are priced reasonably for the average consumer.

The Services Producer Price Index (SPPI), compiled by the Central Statistics Office, shows that the price growth for legal services was modest, at just under 2% in Q3 2024 – much lower than in sectors like real estate or transport.

In addition, the annual rate of inflation for legal services dropped from 2.6% in early 2024 to just 0.6% by year end.

While costs have remained relatively flat in the past year, the Law Society, in its Budget 2025 Submission, called for an increase in legal-aid fees and payments to solicitors to ensure access to justice for the most vulnerable of consumers.

The current system clearly no longer reflects the rising complexity of legal work or the substantial increase in associated costs and expenses (not to mention inflation) that have arisen since the 2008 financial crisis.

The Law Society has strongly advocated for reforms to the legal-aid system. We have called for the restoration of criminal legal-aid funding to pre-2008 levels, enabling solicitors – especially those in smaller practices – to effectively serve their clients.

Without this restoration, many solicitors will continue to struggle to sustain legal-aid case work, potentially leaving large sections of the population without access to adequate legal representation.

Following similar calls from the Bar of Ireland for the full restoration of cuts made around 15 years ago, the Government committed to an 8% rise in fees for criminal legal aid from 1 January 2025.

In addition, the Law Society has been calling for an increase in the eligibility thresholds for civil legal aid, which have remained largely unchanged since the financial crisis. These reforms are crucial to ensure that legal services are accessible to everyone – regardless of their financial circumstances.

On a positive note, complaints related to excessive legal costs have been declining, with only 22 complaints recorded in the 12 months leading up to September 2024 – down from 51 in the previous year.

Quality and accessibility

The admission policies for the legal profession in Ireland are designed to maintain high standards of education and training, at a reasonable cost, while ensuring that legal services remain accessible.

Ensuring the availability of legal services at a reasonable cost also requires a robust framework for education and training standards.

In order to better meet public demand and ensure the representativeness of the general public in the profession, the Law Society consistently supports a variety of learning models, offering part-time and remote routes into law.

We are currently examining a solicitor apprenticeship model as a new route to qualification for school leavers. This should help address the shortage of solicitors in regional areas. By offering apprenticeship opportunities, we hope to continue lowering entry barriers, particularly for students who might not have access to the traditional academic pathways into law.

Innovative approach

We have been innovative in providing alternative routes into the profession. The introduction of the PPC Hybrid model – a flexible, part-time professional practice course – has been one of the most notable initiatives in this regard.

The sixth PPC Hybrid course was launched in December 2024. This route allows trainees to work while completing their studies, reducing financial burdens and increasing access for those with family or other commitments.

This innovative approach is particularly relevant for mature students or those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to diversify the profession and ensure that a wider range of perspectives are represented in the legal system.

Solicitors play an integral role in shaping the future of the legal system. Their responsibilities extend beyond providing legal advice and representation – they are also key advocates for reforms that enhance public access to justice.

The Law Society has consistently called for greater investment in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which helps to alleviate pressure on the courts and reduce the cost and time associated with litigation.

By expanding access to mediation and other forms of ADR, solicitors can help clients resolve disputes in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

Family justice is another area where solicitors have a pivotal role to play. The Family Courts Act 2024 represents a significant step toward modernising Ireland’s family-justice system, but the Law Society cautions that adequate resources must be put in place for it to succeed.

Solicitors are actively engaged in ensuring its effective implementation.

Better resourcing

The Law Society continues to call for better resourcing of the family courts. It has been advocating for the creation of the dedicated Family Courts complex in Hammond Lane, Dublin, and in other locations throughout the country.

As the Irish legal profession continues to navigate the complexities of 2024, several key challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

While the demand for legal services is growing, particularly in urban areas, smaller regional firms face difficulties related to recruitment, retention, and succession planning.

The cost of legal services remains a sensitive issue, and there is a pressing need for reforms to ensure that justice remains accessible to all. The efforts of the Law Society to introduce flexible training routes and advocate for legal-aid reform are crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the profession, and its ability to serve the public interest.

As Ireland moves forward, there is a clear recognition that solicitors will continue to play a vital role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring access to justice, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the legal system.

By embracing innovation, diversifying training pathways, and advocating for necessary reforms, the Irish legal profession can navigate the challenges of the present and continue to serve as a cornerstone of a fair and equitable society.

Mark Garrett is Director General of the Law Society.