In February, the Law Society joined numerous other representative bodies in the profession by condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In April, the Society hosted a special webinar on Ukraine, entitled ‘Upholding the Rule of International Law’.

The online event heard a unique perspective on the invasion from one of Ukraine’s leading lawyers, Anna Babych. This was followed by a panel discussion on the rule of law, and what lawyers throughout Europe could do to help.

Among the many fund-raising events held for Ukraine was a table quiz in Blackhall Place held by the EU & International Affairs Committee, and a walk in the Phoenix Park organised by the Blackhall Place ‘hybrid’ PPC trainees in March. Proceeds from both events went to the Irish Red Cross’s Ukraine appeal.

Justice award

In October, the inaugural Law Society Justice Award was presented to the People of Ukraine.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, accepted the award at the Law Society's Gala at Dublin’s Intercontinental hotel on 14 October.

The award was created to recognise extraordinary contributions to the discourse and development of Ireland's legal landscape through legal practice, academia, social justice or rights advocacy.

Ambassador Gerasko said that it was a great honour and privilege to accept the Law Society Justice Award on behalf of her country.