The new President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland has said that one of his key priorities in 2024 will be to continue the work of shaping the solicitor profession to be fit for the future.

Darren Toombs (small picture) was speaking after his appointment following the organisation’s annual general meeting held in Belfast on Wednesday (29 November).

“It is an honour and privilege to become President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland especially at a time of great change facing the whole legal sector in Northern Ireland,” the new president said.

‘Unseen and unheard’

He added that, while there were many challenges ahead, there were also many more opportunities to build a more diverse, accessible, and welcoming solicitor profession.

“Solicitors remain at the very heart of every aspect of Northern Ireland life; their contribution is often unseen and unheard, yet they provide an important role supporting business and our community,” Toombs continued.

The new president was admitted to the roll of solicitors in 2000, and in 2003 joined Carson McDowell Solicitors.

In 2015, he was elected to the Council of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and has served on a range of Council committees.