The Law Society of Ireland has published its Annual Report for the year 2018/2019. Law Society of Ireland director general Ken Murphy said, “Over the past year the Law Society and the solicitors’ profession have reached a number of historic milestones, witnessed fundamental changes and launched a number of important and ambitious new projects.”

Brexit

Mr Murphy explained, “We have added the 20,000th name to the Roll of Solicitors, which is an historic milestone.” He added, “Brexit was a major contributor to this, with approximately 1,700 solicitors from England and Wales being admitted to the Roll in 2019 alone.” Mr Murphy said, “Important changes to the ways in which solicitors are regulated have also taken place this year. With effect from 7 October, the Law Society’s complaints function has legally transferred to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority, along with valued former colleagues whose combined years of experience will be of immense value to the Authority in its new role.” He explained that “This is the most significant milestone to date in the commencement and implementation of the Legal Services Regulation Act. We wish the Authority success with this important work.”

Educational reform

The Law Society has also rolled out a number of ambitious new projects to meet the needs of the changing and growing profession for the benefit of solicitors, their clients and prospective trainee solicitors. “Major educational reform, a professional wellbeing programme and supports for smaller practices have already had a significant impact. The benefits of these projects will be felt for many years to come by our members and the communities they serve every day,” said Mr Murphy. The report can be found here.