As 17 solicitors from across Ireland, representing the smallest to the largest firms in the country, successfully applied for Patents of Precedence, the Law Society of Ireland has highlighted the vast breadth of experience and expertise they will bring to their new roles. 

President of the Law Society Michele O’Boyle said, “I am proud to be at the helm when 17 solicitors who made history this week, as the first in the State to be granted the right to use the title of Senior Counsel, come from a wide variety of practices right across the country spanning urban and rural, large practices and small as well as sole practitioners. It is clear that the depth and breadth of experience and expertise these colleagues collectively possess is of enormous value to the Irish justice system.” 

The 17 solicitors granted Patents of Precedence are: 

• Éamonn Conlon, A&L Goodbody (Dublin)
• Paul Egan, Mason Hayes & Curran (Dublin) 
• Patrick Groarke, Groarke & Partners (Longford)
• Richard Hammond, Hammond Good Solicitors (Cork) 
• Bill Holohan, Holohan Law (Cork) 
• Áine Hynes, St. John Solicitors (Dublin)
• Liam Kennedy, A&L Goodbody (Dublin) 
• Rory Kirrane, Mason Hayes & Curran (Dublin)
• Cormac Little, William Fry (Dublin) 
• James MacGuill, MacGuill and Company (Louth) 
• Roger Murray, Callan Tansey (Sligo) 
• Helen Noble, Noble Shipping Law (Wicklow) 
• Bernard O’Connor, NCTM (Brussels)
• Vincent Power, A&L Goodbody (Dublin) 
• Dara Robinson, Sheehan and Partners (Dublin) 
• Michael Staines, Michael Staines & Co Solicitors (Dublin)
• Damien M.P Tansey,Damien Tansey Solicitors (Sligo)

“I hope and expect many more solicitors who possess the necessary skills, knowledge and experience will apply in the coming years,” Ms O’Boyle added. “In particular, I look forward to seeing a balance of male and female solicitors applying for and being granted Patents of Precedence, to reflect the modern legal profession and 21st Century Ireland.”

Notes for editors

• This press release was originally issued on 2 September 2020 and updated on 3 September 2020 to include the names of the 17 solicitors granted Patents of Precedence.
• Section 173 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 sets out the criteria under which a Patent of Precedence will be granted to a legal practitioner. They include a requirement to demonstrate a proven capacity for excellence as an advocate or litigant or specialist knowledge in a particular area of law, or is otherwise suitable.
• This section was enacted on 7 October 2019 by then Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan: S.I. No. 502/2019 - Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) (No. 2) Order 2019

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