The Law Society of Ireland congratulates the six solicitors who have been granted the Patents of Precedence yesterday, 22 June 2022. In a historic first, the number of women solicitors named is greater than the number of men.

President of the Law Society of Ireland Michelle Ní Longáin said, “We are proud to congratulate our six colleagues who have been recognised for their in-depth knowledge of a specialised area of practice.

“The four women solicitors granted the Patents of Precedence this year have made history. For the first time, the number of women named is greater than the number of men. Women are currently in the majority of practising and trainee solicitors in Ireland and this diversity in our profession is reflected among the latest Senior Counsel list.

“Solicitors’ close connectedness with clients as trusted advisors is unique in the legal profession. We are pleased that their many contributions to the administration of justice in the State has again been recognised.”

The six solicitors granted Patents of Precedence in 2022 are:

• Deborah Spence (Arthur Cox)
• Terence McCrann (McCann FitzGerald)
• Sinéad Kearney (ByrneWallace)
• Aisling Gannon (Eversheds Sutherland)
• Helen Kelly (Matheson)
• Alastair Purdy (Alastair Purdy and Co).

This is the third time in the history of the State that solicitors could apply for Patents of Precedence. 35 solicitors, 11 women and 24 men, have been granted the Patents of Precedence since 2020.

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