About the Law Society
When was the Law Society
established?
The Law Society of Northern Ireland was established
in 1922, when a Royal Charter was granted to solicitors in Northern Ireland to
permit the setting up of the Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland.
What does the Law Society do?
The Law Society of Northern Ireland is the
professional body for the solicitors' profession in Northern Ireland with the
aim of protecting the public. Under the Solicitors
(Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the Law Society acts as the
regulatory authority governing the education, accounts, discipline and
professional conduct of solicitors in order to maintain the independence,
ethical standards, professional competence and quality of services offered to
the public.
How does the Law Society operate?
The Society operates through an elected Council
of 30 members, all practising solicitors, who serve on a
voluntary basis. The Council is guided by the Presidential and Chief Executive
Team which consists of the President, Senior Vice President, Junior
President and Chief Executive.
Who are the members of the Law
Society?
Any solicitor whose name is on the Roll of
Solicitors in Northern Ireland and who has not been suspended from practising
as a solicitor may become a member of the Society on payment of the annual
subscription for the time in force.
There are approximately 2300 plus solicitors
currently practising law in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a solicitor
is a member of that branch of the legal profession whose services consist of
advising clients, representing them before the lower courts and preparing cases
for barristers to try in the higher courts.
Are there Local Solicitors
Associations and Groups?
Solicitor Associations provide support to local
solicitors throughout Northern Ireland. They work with the Law Society on key
issues of concern to the profession and to local members. Each local Solicitor
Association has a chairperson and a Secretary.
To access a list of solicitor associations please click here
Are there Local Solicitors
Groups?
To
access a list of solicitors groups please click here
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