Nominations for Law Society Council open
Nominations for this year’s elections to the Law Society Council opened today (24 August) and will close at 5pm on Thursday 10 September.
The Law Society is urging any solicitor who would like to contribute opinions and expertise to consider running for the two-year term to help shape the future of the profession.
The Council, the Law Society’s governing body, provides leadership and governance, setting strategic priorities, overseeing performance, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
The Law Society says that solicitors who nominate a colleague, stand for election, or cast their vote can help ensure that the Council reflects the profession’s breadth, expertise, and ambition.
Comprising 31 elected members, four provincial delegates and 13 nominated members, it represents the Law Society and its members, both in the interests of the public and of the solicitors’ profession generally.
'Diverse perspectives'
Council members, who represent a diverse range of perspectives and experience from across the profession, play an important role in supporting and developing the future of the solicitors’ profession.
The body meets at least eight times a year to consider a wide range of strategic matters – including policy development, committee reports, the establishment of working groups and task forces, and the appointment of Law Society representatives.
Council member Keith Walsh SC recently told the Gazette that Council membership was “hugely beneficial” for people who are working for themselves.
“You're dealing with other people, but you realise that their issues are the same," the Dublin-based family lawyer said.
‘Amazing’ experience
Solicitor and mediator Hilary O'Connor described her experience of being on the Council as “amazing”.
"I now understand what the Law Society is doing, and what a massive machine it is, and I am really impressed with the calibre of people involved,” she told the Gazette.
Solicitors who wish to run, nominate, or vote in the Council election must hold current Law Society membership.
The nomination and voting processes are online only.
Voting this year will open on 2 October, running until 5pm on 15 October, and those wishing to vote must have renewed their membership by 30 September.
The results will be announced at the Law Society’s annual general meeting on 5 November.
Anyone with queries about Law Society membership or the election can contact solicitorservices@lawsociety.ie.
More information about the election is available at www.lawsociety.ie/elections.