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This has been a year of both challenge and determination for the legal profession. My focus as President of the Law Society has been to be a progressive voice for Irish solicitors, while also seeking ways to support smaller practices to thrive.

My term has been defined and guided by the Law Society’s ambitious five-year strategy for the future of the solicitors’ profession and law reform in the public interest. As technology, regulation, the economy, and client requirements continue to evolve, so must we.

I had the pleasure of meeting formally with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, not long after his appointment. We discussed a range of issues, and I communicated the commitment of the Law Society and the solicitors’ profession to working with him and his department in the months and years ahead. It was encouraging to see the Government’s clear commitments to justice and law reform – in particular, their five-year programme in this regard, including investing in the courts system, creating a solicitor’s portal for enduring-power-ofattorney applications, reforming property law, and promoting diversity in the profession.

I know that the Law Society is pursuing these necessary improvements, as well as outstanding issues like restoration of legal-aid fees, the establishment of the Mediation Council of Ireland, and the promotion of alternative-disputeresolution options. This work will continue until we have effective solutions in place.

Integrity

As lawyers, we know the importance of standing up for what is right and just. Which is why it was necessary to push back this year against misleading claims from the insurance industry about widespread fraud and the erroneous link between legal costs and rising insurance premiums. Such assertions are not only baseless, but also detrimental to public trust and the integrity of the profession, and must be constantly challenged. The Law Society continues to support efficient claim resolution, including through alternative dispute- resolution methods. It is in everyone’s interests to have a sustainable insurance market in Ireland – which includes profitable insurance companies – but we also support a person’s right to seek legal advice before making a claim. We need more fact-based dialogue, not deflection of blame onto the legal profession.

Strong volunteerism

It is always good to give back and, as a solicitor, I am particularly proud to support the Calcutta Run fundraising event. I was delighted to participate with over 1,300 colleagues in both Dublin and Cork and must congratulate ourcolleagues in the West for their inaugural run in Galway, as well as those involved in the ancillary rugby and golf events.

When I visited India with The Hope Foundation in April, I saw the much-needed work made possible by your fundraising. This includes providing education for children in schools for all ages. Many of these children have experienced homelessness or live in severely deprived areas and, without funding for schools, would not have the opportunity for education. The Hope Hospital provides desperately needed healthcare services to people who otherwise would not be able to afford it, while the Hope Café trains people for a career in nutrition and hospitality. I also had the opportunity to see some of the humbling, but heartwarming, work done by Dublin Simon locally.

From what I have witnessed first-hand, your generosity will transform lives: bringing education, healthcare, and hope to vulnerable communities in Kolkata and supporting those facing homelessness here in Ireland.

Collaboration

I mentioned at the start of my term that it would be characterised by engagement and new collaborations. Since I took up this role in November, I have represented the Law Society at many events around the country with different partners and groups. These included Ireland for Law, Irish Immigration Lawyers, the Bar of Ireland, the Chartered Accountants, ECLA, Irish Rule of Law International, the Irish Law Awards, and multiple barassociations. I also hosted a Law Society event to mark International Women’s Day.

These gatherings provided an ideal opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, discover potential collaborations, and build trust with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, while also helping to raise the profile of the profession.

Different groups bring with them diverse perspectives and expertise, as I found when meeting lawyers from other countries at conferences like the opening of the legal year, international bar leaders, the four jurisdictions, and European Presidents’ Conference. As well as building a valuable international network, sharing our approaches to similar challenges creates opportunities for finding more effective solutions.

One of the greatest honours of my year as president was hosting a delegation of judges from Ukraine. Their incredible strength and dignity amid a heartbreaking war were deeply moving. I was also pleased this year to welcome a visiting delegation from Zambia at Blackhall Place and hear first-hand how they are tackling widespread corruption in their country thanks to support from Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI). Established by the Law Society and Bar Council in 2007, IRLI continues to develop and implement needs-based access-to justice projects to enhance the rule of law in different jurisdictions around the globe.

Access to justice

When it comes to access to justice, we have a lot to be grateful for here at home, including a respected independent judiciary and strong democracy – but we cannot be complacent. The Law Society continues to do its part in promoting and supporting a just and accessible legal system that works for all, which is a foundation of a modern, thriving, and progressive society.

It’s one of the reasons a Centre for Justice and Law Reform has been established by the Law Society. The centre aims to deliver evidence-based research, foster debate, and advocate for positive change aimed at improving the public’s experience of the Irish justice system. I was delighted to be invited to join its advisory board to help guide the work of the centre. I also hosted its inaugural Summer School at Blackhall Place in June, where legal experts, senior members of Government, and international analysts in geopolitics and extremism came together to explore threats to democracy.

To ensure greater access to justice and increased diversity, we must attract more people from varied backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances into the profession.

Existing outreach programmes, financial grants, and flexible legal training options (including the Law Society’s Access Programme, PPC Hybrid, and the Small Practice Traineeship Grant) are making a difference. The Law Society grant scheme provided support worth €125,000 to another five trainees and regional firms in counties Cork, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, and Wicklow this year. In recognition of the need for additional support for small practices, a sixth grant will be awarded in time for the PPC Hybrid course starting in December.

To further remove barriers to the profession, I’m encouraged to share that the Law Society has begun exploring a new apprenticeship for school leavers. This initiative would give them the opportunity to gain experience and skills in a legal firm over a number of years before ultimately qualifying as a solicitor.

As well as making a career as a solicitor more accessible, these strategies are designed to strengthen recruitment and retention, and to support succession planning across the country.

In summary

I’m deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the team in the Law Society to serve my solicitor colleagues, working alongside many dedicated volunteers on our Council and committees. I have seen, close up, the exceptional work being performed by Law Society staff on our behalf. Together, we’ve made great progress on many issues that benefit the profession and, ultimately, the public we serve.

As I transition leadership to my successor, I want to wish Rosemarie Loftus the very best for her year as president. I have complete confidence in her vision and ability to deliver for solicitors and the public in new and innovative ways.

Eamon Harrington,
President