Law Society's new president takes office
Saturday November 07 2009
THE Law Society, the ruling body for solicitors, has elected a new president who takes office as the profession faces a steep rise in indemnity insurance.
Yesterday, Gerard Doherty, a partner in the law firm O'Reilly Doherty & Co in Finglas, Dublin, commenced his term as president of the 12,000-strong professional body.
On December 1, all practising solicitors must renew their professional indemnity insurance and it is feared some firms, particularly small practices, may not be able to meet the new premiums resulting in the closure of their business.
The society, which has paid out more than €2m to former clients of 'missing' solicitor Michael Lynn, is awaiting the outcome on the availability and cost of indemnity insurance offers.
Mr Doherty, a native of Westport, Co Mayo, who succeeds solicitor John D Shaw, will serve a one-year term.
- Dearbhail McDonald Legal Editor
Irish Independent
