Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association (NIYSA)

The Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association was set up in 1984 by Harry Coll, the then President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Young Solicitors' Association (NIYSA) was set up in 1984 by Harry Coll, the then President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

The aims of the NIYSA are to:-

· represent the views of young solicitors in Northern Ireland;

· promote and advance the interests of young solicitors generally and those of the legal profession;

· organise activities of an educational and social nature; and

· encourage contact with other young solicitors’ Associations and with other professions.

Every solicitor who has not reached ten years’ post qualification experience (PQE) automatically becomes a member of the NIYSA.

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On Monday 30^th January 2023, Shannon Gawley was elected Chair of the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors’ Association (“NIYSA”) at its Annual General Meeting at Law Society House.

Ms Gawley is a Solicitor in the Commercial team at Carson McDowell and an Executive Officer of the European Young Bar Association.

She is supported in her year as Chair with the assistance of the 2023 committee:

·         Vice Chair – Ellen Forester (Tughans);

·         Treasurer – Ross White (GRAHAM Group);

·         Secretary – Hannah Stewart (Carson McDowell);

·         Membership Secretary – Emma Falloon (Kennedys Law);

·         CPD Co-ordinator – William Wilson (Thompson Crooks);

·         Member Engagement Officer – Katherine Macauley (Joseph Magee & Co);

·         Committee Member – Shannan Greer (Thompson Crooks);

·         Committee Member – Oonagh Lavery (EJ Lavery & Co Solicitors);

·         Immediate Past-Chair – Ruaidhrí Austin (Lacey Solicitors); and

·         IPLS Representative – Katherine Grant (Carson McDowell).

The committee’s theme for 2023 is “Future of the Profession” with a particular focus on three key areas:

Education & Career Development;

Social Networking; and

Mental Health & Well-being.

In addition, the committee are excited to announce the establishment of the new role “Member Engagement Officer”, which will be undertaken by Katherine Macauley. The role will focus on increasing member engagement and establishing links with local solicitor associations across Northern Ireland.