Formal confirmation of the result took place at the Law Society Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5th November. The Council is the governing body of the Law Society of Ireland, which represents more than 12,000 solicitors across the country. Ms McNulty also topped the poll in 2024, having first joined the Council by co-option in 2023.

For her upcoming two-year term, Ms McNulty has identified professional wellbeing and the future of solicitor training as her core priorities.

Ms McNulty, a partner in the health & prosecutions team at Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “Solicitors working on sensitive and distressing cases can face considerable emotional demands. We need to recognise the impact of this work and ensure that appropriate support is available throughout their careers.

AI also raises important questions about how we train the next generation of solicitors. Technology can improve efficiency, but sound legal judgement develops through practical experience. As AI takes on more routine legal work, we must ensure junior lawyers have opportunities to develop the expertise and specialist insight that clients rely on.”

Originally from Cork, Ms McNulty began her career in criminal defence before moving into commercial practice with Mason Hayes & Curran. She serves on the Law Society’s Education and Litigation Committees and its solicitor wellbeing steering group. She previously chaired the Younger Members Committee.

Will Carmody, managing partner at Mason Hayes & Curran, commented: “Fiona’s result is a significant achievement and recognition of the high regard in which she is held across the profession.

“The Law Society plays an important role in the future of legal practice in Ireland. I am very pleased that as Council members, Fiona and our Of Counsel, Paul Egan SC, will continue to contribute their experience to its work. Their commitment demonstrates the value we place on the professional standards that underpin client confidence.”