The Council of the Law Society has today (24 September) approved the appointment of Mark Garrett as director general.

Making the announcement at the Council meeting in Westport, Co Mayo, Law Society President James Cahill said that Mr Garrett had extensive experience in leadership and management – both in the public and private sectors. 

The president said that Mr Garrett would begin his new role on 3 January 2022, and would bring “a wealth of knowledge, experience and an impressive track record” to the Law Society.

'Seizing opportunities’

The president said: “The Society is at a point in its evolution where it is facing substantial change and re-orientation, while being fortunate to have an excellent management team and staff.

“We are confident that, working with the Society’s excellent management team, the Council, and the huge voluntary effort of members, Mark will be a great asset to the profession in seizing the opportunities and dealing with the challenges that face us.”

Mr Garrett has previously worked for the Competition Authority (now the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission), as Chief of Staff to the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, and in private-sector organisations, including McKinsey, Glanbia, and Teneo.

He was educated in St Muredach’s College (Ballina, Co Mayo), University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology, and King’s College London.

Speaking on his appointment as director general, Mark Garrett said: "It is an honour to be appointed to this leadership role with the Law Society which has a long and proud history of serving, representing and supporting the legal profession and the public.

“The Law Society plays a vital role in Irish society. It represents solicitors in public life, provides excellent legal education and training, and promotes the maintenance of the highest standards. I look forward to helping the Law Society and the legal profession navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

Keane tribute

Mr Cahill expressed his thanks to Mary Keane, “who has served with distinction as director general since the retirement of Ken Murphy in March 2021. Her professionalism, experience and dedication have been invaluable, both to me and the profession as a whole, and will continue to be so.” 

Responding, Mary Keane commented that it had been a “remarkable experience to serve as director general”. She will continue in the role until year-end.

“I know that you will join me in welcoming Mark to the Law Society family,” she said.

The president thanked the Director General Recruitment Committee, which led the recruitment process from July 2020.

The committee comprised senior Council members, and was chaired by immediate Past-President, Michele O’Boyle.

“On behalf of the profession, the current director general Mary Keane, and the Law Society executive, I wish Mark the best in his role as director general,” Mr Cahill concluded.