Ms Loftus is a partner at family law firm Bourke, Carrigg & Loftus in Ballina, County Mayo. She qualified as a solicitor in 1991.

She becomes the 155th president of the Law Society and the first woman from Mayo to serve in the role.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Loftus said: “It is both an honour and privilege to serve as president of the Law Society for the next 12 months, and to be only the seventh woman to do so.

“Recognising the vital role that sole practitioners and smaller firms play in their local communities, and the unique challenges and opportunities they face, I am committed to supporting and advocating for my fellow solicitors to the best of my ability.

“As a proud Mayo woman and solicitor practising in Ballina, I will call on my experiences of working within a smaller community to be a progressive voice, supporting and representing local and rural solicitors across the country.”

She continued: “To represent the solicitors’ profession both at home and on an international stage, is a privilege. I do not underestimate the responsibility that I will have and I will undertake the role with great pride and care.

“As the Law Society continues to deliver its ambitious strategy, supporting solicitors across the country, I will champion this work for the benefit of the public and legal profession, both present and future. 

“Together, we will work towards the enhancement and evolution of a justice system that can best support the needs of its users.

“The expertise within the solicitors’ profession, along with the commitment of the Law Society and our stakeholders, means we can work to create a justice system that is just, equitable, and meets the needs of Irish society. 

“I look forward to building on the great work of my predecessors and serving the solicitors’ profession with optimism and commitment.”