Cork solicitor elected President of Law Society of Ireland

Strengthening access to justice across the country has been identified as the priority for his term by the new President of the Law Society of Ireland, Charleville based solicitor Barry MacCarthy. 

As he began his one-year term as the 153rd president of the 24,000-member society, which represents solicitors across the nation, Mr MacCarthy said the society had a 'pivotal role in ensuring that legal practice in Ireland is at the highest level and supported in every community in the country'.

“There is no doubt that the solicitors’ profession is thriving as demand for legal services grow, especially in emerging areas like intellectual property, aviation law, mediation, and arbitration," said Mr MacCarthy. 

"That said, this is not the case for all solicitors and all parts of the country.

“As a sole practitioner, I recognise that smaller community-based legal practices are facing challenges, and the availability of legal services in many communities is at risk. 

"The legal profession, like many others, is heavily concentrated in major urban centres and Dublin in particular. 

"I believe the Law Society has a pivotal role in ensuring that legal practice in Ireland is at the highest level and supported in every community in the country,” Mr MacCarthy said.

He said that the Law Society had a 'leading role in advocating for justice and law reform' in order to help build a fair and just legal system that works for all because that is the foundation for a thriving, modern and progressive Irish society. 

"I look forward to taking significant steps in that direction during the next 12 months.

“As we look ahead, we are focused on shaping a vibrant and relevant Law Society that works with others to adapt to meet the evolving needs of the economy and society. Collaboration is, and will remain, key to ensuring access to justice for all,” said the new president of the society.

A sole practitioner practicing as MacCarthy Solicitors, Main Street, Charleville, Mr. MacCarthy went to school in the town and studied Law at UCC, before qualifying as a solicitor in 1991. He has served in a number of key positions within the society including as its junior vice president in 2020/1 and as the chairman of its conveyancing, complaints, client relations and professional indemnity committees.