The Law Society of Northern Ireland has confirmed 13 new members to its ruling Council following elections that saw turnout rise to 28.2 per cent from 17.8 per cent in 2022. The Council governs and regulates over 3,000 practising solicitors across Northern Ireland.

This year’s election covered 21 ordinary representatives and three Eastern constituency seats. In the Northern and Southern constituencies, the number of candidates matched the available seats, resulting in unopposed returns. Voting was conducted entirely online, with 1,342 ballots cast for ordinary representatives and 225 for the Eastern constituency.

Darren Toombs, Eimer Coll, Joanna Burns, Lenore Rice, Angela Brady, Julie-Ann McCaffrey, Katharine Butler and Eoghan McKenna topped the ordinary representative polls, while Julie Ann Osborne, Simon Chambers and John O’Prey were elected for the Eastern constituency.

Of the newly elected cohort, 13 join the Council for the first time, 17 are returning members, and 13 have stepped down. The group is almost gender-balanced, with 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.”

David Lavery, CEO of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, commented, “The strong turnout demonstrates a renewed commitment among solicitors to shaping the future of the Law Society and the profession.”

The new Council will oversee a communications and member engagement strategy, support solicitors through regulatory challenges, strengthen advocacy for justice, and expand outreach to regional firms and diverse practice groups.

Learn more about the newly elected Council and its strategic plans for the solicitor profession in the full story.