Apply now Apply Now

The Law Society of Ireland is seeking to recruit an experienced public affairs professional as Head of Advocacy. The Head of Advocacy will play a key role in engaging with key stakeholders, including government bodies, members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, industry partners, NGOs and other civil society groups.

The Head of Advocacy will focus on building strong external relationships, developing Law Society policy positions, drafting submissions, engaging with practitioners, and advancing the Law Society’s wider strategic objectives.

Your profile 

You will also have a strong understanding of current affairs with a proven expertise or demonstrable interest in developments relating to justice and equality, business and enterprise as well as a deep understanding of how public policy in Ireland is formulated.

Key responsibilities 

Stakeholder Engagement

- Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategies aligned to the Law Society’s policy priorities.

- Lead engagement with key external stakeholders and foster and strengthen the Law Society’s relationship with elected representatives, civil servants, industry partners, NGOs and civil society groups and other key stakeholders.

- Build strong, trusted relationships to support the organisation’s influence and reputation.

- Ensure active monitoring of political, media, and industry developments to inform engagement priorities.

Policy Development

- Engage with the Law Society Council, the Law Society Committees and the wider profession to develop Law Society positions in respect of anticipated legislative or policy changes to support and shape a just and accessible legal system.

- Develop and integrate our public interest agenda into wider Law Society activities.

- Conduct rigorous research into legislative frameworks and proposed regulatory changes to identify impacts on the solicitors' profession and the broader public interest. 

- Initiate and deliver key policy and research projects that impact on the Law Society, its members and/or the broader public interest.

- Engage with Law Society Committees and the wider solicitors’ profession to identify critical law reform priorities and to drive input for new policy initiatives. 

- Ensure compliance with the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, managing the Law Society's internal records and statutory reporting requirements for all advocacy activities.

Advocacy & Submission

- Writing Be highly skilled in drafting well-written submissions in response to consultation processes initiated by Government Departments, Oireachtas Committees, public bodies or other fora, as well as drafting persuasive briefing materials and speeches.

- Conduct research and analysis of legislative frameworks to identify impacts of proposed changes on the legal system, the legal profession and the public interest.

Campaigns and Programme

- Delivery Oversee high-impact engagement campaigns and events to advance law reform. Build strategic alliances with NGOs, civil society groups, professional bodies, and international organisations to progress shared law reform objectives.

Strategic Communications

- Oversee development of messaging, briefing materials, reports, and public-facing content that support engagement goals.

- Collaborate with Communications colleagues to ensure consistent messaging to key stakeholders across all channels, and in particular to ensure that advocacy activities are appropriately communicated to the profession and other key stakeholders.

- Support senior leadership, including the Director of Policy, the Director General, the President and the Council, through the drafting of speeches, presentations, and well-researched and persuasive briefings, and also sharing insights.

Organisational Leadership

- Foster the continued development of members of the Policy team, striving for excellence in efficiency and engagement.

- Work cross‑functionally with colleagues across the Law Society and in particular with those in Solicitor Services, Communications, Education, and Regulation. Promote a culture of transparency, collaboration, efficiency and proactive engagement.

- Establish KPIs to measure engagement effectiveness and evaluate engagement activities and refine strategy accordingly.

Knowledge and skills

- 7+ years’ professional experience working in Ireland’s political system.

- Deep knowledge of the policy development and legislative processes in Ireland and at EU level, and the political landscape in Ireland.

- Understanding of the Irish justice system and legal practice in Ireland.

- Expertise in delivering successful advocacy campaigns.

- Significant experience of engaging with senior stakeholders.

- Demonstrable expertise in submission writing and report-writing, in building a well-supported and persuasive case for reform.

- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and an ability to deliver concisely and in plain language what may be complex policy insights to diverse audiences, with strong attention to detail.

- A proven ability to work on own initiative, together with an ability to see projects through from initiation to execution.

- Adept at building high-performing teams, managing individual performance, and cultivating a collaborative environment.

- Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.

- Familiarity with compliance and reporting obligations under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

- A dynamic professional with significant experience in leadership and people management.

- Experience of practising as a solicitor or a barrister, or alternatively holding a legal qualification, will be an advantage.

Remuneration & Benefits

- Salary (DOE)

- Excellent working conditions

- Training & development opportunities

- Pension after one year’s service

How to Apply

To apply for this role, click the ‘Apply Now’ box in blue. Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate’s eligibility to work in Ireland, without any restrictions.

Closing date Close of business on Monday 13 April 2026.

They thank you for your interest in the Law Society of Ireland and your interest in this role. Due to the level of responses required, only successful candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted by the HR department. For more information on Data Protection policies please send a request to recruit@lawsociety.ie. 

Back to Jobs