David Lavery

The body that represents and regulates more than 3,000 practising solicitors reported a turnout of 28.2 per cent in the election, up from 17.8 per cent in 2022.

This year’s contest comprised elections for 21 ordinary representatives and three Eastern constituency representatives.

In the Northern and Southern constituencies, the number of candidates matched the number of available seats, meaning those candidates were returned unopposed.

Voting was conducted entirely online, with 1,342 ballots cast for ordinary representatives and 225 ballots cast in the Eastern constituency race.

Darren Toombs, Eimer Coll, Joanna Burns, Lenore Rice, Angela Brady, Julie-Ann McCaffrey, Katharine Butler and Eoghan McKenna topped the poll for ordinary representatives.

Julie Ann Osborne, Simon Chambers and John O’Prey were elected to represent solicitors in the Eastern constituency area.

Of the newly-elected cohort, 13 members join the Council for the first time for the 2025–28 term, while 17 return for another term and 13 have stepped down.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland, which established a new women’s network earlier this year, welcomed strong support for women candidates across the ballot.

Women elected to the Council include Angela Brady, Joanna Burns, Eimer Coll, Lenore Rice, Julie-Ann McCaffrey, Katharine Butler and Helen Madden.

The new joiners are almost gender-balanced, comprising seven men and six women.

Brigid Napier, chair of the Law Society’s women’s network, said: “This year’s election shows what is possible when women are encouraged and supported to put themselves forward.

“The women’s network made a sustained effort to promote participation, and we are proud to see so many talented women elected to Council.

“Representation matters, not only because it brings different perspectives, but because it signals to women at every stage of their career that leadership is open to them.

“We will continue to champion and support women across the profession in the years ahead.”

David Lavery, CEO of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, said: “Council plays a central role in guiding the direction of the solicitor profession, and I am delighted to welcome both new and returning members for the 2025–2028 term.

“The strong turnout demonstrates a renewed commitment among solicitors to shaping the future of the Law Society and the profession. This is an important step in ensuring the voices around our table reflect the profession we serve.”

The new Council will oversee initiatives including a new communications and member engagement strategy, continued work to support solicitors through regulatory challenges, a strengthening of the Society’s role as a visible advocate for justice and the rule of law, and further outreach to regional firms, local associations and diverse practice groups.

“With a blend of new perspectives and experienced representatives returning, the 2025 Council is well-placed to guide the profession through a period of significant change,” the Society said.