Diego Gallagher

Mr Gallagher was elected to succeed outgoing president Joe O’Malley at the DSBA’s AGM on Wednesday.

He told the AGM: “It is a great honour to accept the office of president of the DSBA for the coming 12 months. To be leading an association of over 3,000 practising solicitors is a personal privilege – however, this is a time of great challenge as well.”

In comments to the AGM, he highlighted a number of areas where the DSBA will seek to represent its members during his presidency, including serious challenges around professional indemnity insurance, ongoing delays in court lists and major changes to working patterns as a result of Covid-19.

He also raised the need to fully address the impact of bullying and sexual harassment in the profession, highlighting a recent survey by the Law Socieyt of Ireland, as well as the importance of wellbeing for solicitors and the need to maintain collegiality.

Mr Gallagher also congratulated Mr O’Malley on his “sterling work” as president over the last 12 months.