Innovating for the future
Small practices are the foundation of legal services in communities across the country. Taking steps to continue supporting their viability has been a key focus of my term as president, writes Eamon Harrington.
A number of new Law Society services were launched this year to help address some of the issues facing small practices, including the dedicated Legal Tech Hub on lawsociety.ie.
Small Practice Month, in October, consisted of events and resources designed to meet the unique needs of this sector in practice, business, and wellbeing – with a focus on conveyancing, technology, and recruitment.
The Law Society’s commitment to broadening access to the profession helps support regional practices through initiatives like the Small Practice Traineeship Grant, the PPC Hybrid course, and Access funding programmes.
Five grants have been awarded to regional firms in Cork, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, and Wicklow this year – with an additional grant to follow in December.
Rural solicitors
Innovative solutions are needed to attract and retain solicitors in rural areas. The Law Society has made further recommendations to Government in this regard, including the need to invest in business supports and to introduce limited liability for sole practitioners.
We will continue to work with key stakeholders to urge their implementation. I welcomed the publication of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority report in September, which recommended amending the 2015 act to allow for earlier dismissal of baseless complaints.
This change would mean less time and stress spent responding to frivolous or unfounded complaints, allowing solicitors to focus on serving clients and running their practice.
It would also ensure that genuine complaints were addressed swiftly and fairly. We urge the Government to act quickly to implement this recommendation.
Collaboration and leadership
Earlier this year, I met Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to discuss issues relevant to the profession and the rule of law.
It was encouraging to see some of our priorities featuring in the Government’s programme for justice and law reform – investing in the courts, reforming property law, developing a solicitor’s portal for EPA applications, and promoting diversity within the profession.
A record allocation of over €6.17 billion for the justice sector in Budget 2026 is a reassuring step towards creating a more efficient and effective justice system. The commitment to fully restore criminal legal-aid fees was well overdue.
Continued investment in the family-justice system is welcome, as is increased funding for Free Legal Advice Centres.
Medal of Excellence
Access to justice underpins our democracy and the work of every solicitor. The Law Society’s new Centre for Justice and Law Reform aims to play a vital role in shaping evidence-based policy and promoting positive change in the justice system.
I was privileged to join the centre’s advisory board and host its inaugural Summer School.
It was also my pleasure to recently present outgoing President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, with the centre’s inaugural Medal of Excellence for his exceptional contribution to advancing justice, promoting thoughtful legal reform, and cultivating a society grounded in fairness, inclusion, and equality.
And speaking of excellence, I am very happy to announce that the Law Society is to introduce a new system of awards to recognise expertise and experience at key milestones in our legal careers.
These merit awards range from student designations to the prestigious FLSI Fellowship – longer-serving members will soon be able to apply. Details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Serving as president has been a great honour. I have witnessed first-hand the dedication of colleagues around the country, the commitment of our Council and committees, and the exceptional work of the Law Society’s staff on behalf of the profession.
The survey of practising solicitors earlier this year demonstrated that many of you remain optimistic about the future. Yes, there are challenges but, as a determined profession, we are well positioned to adapt, thrive, and seize the opportunities ahead.
Eamon Harrington is President of the Law Society.