Fiona McNulty leads Law Society poll

Fiona McNulty of Mason Hayes & Curran has achieved a remarkable feat by topping the Law Society of Ireland Council election poll for the second time in a row. Formal confirmation of this accolade was announced during the Law Society Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 5th November. The Law Society serves more than 12,000 solicitors in Ireland, with the Council acting as its governing body. McNulty had previously topped the poll in 2024, having initially joined the Council in 2023 by co-option.

With her next two-year term ahead of her, McNulty has outlined professional wellbeing and the evolution of solicitor training as her main priorities. “Solicitors working on sensitive and distressing cases can face considerable emotional demands. We need to recognise the impact of this work and ensure that appropriate support is available throughout their careers,” she remarked, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll of legal work.

In addition to wellbeing, McNulty voiced concerns regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within legal practice, stressing the need for a balanced approach to training. “AI also raises important questions about how we train the next generation of solicitors. Technology can improve efficiency, but sound legal judgement develops through practical experience,” she said. She emphasised the necessity for junior lawyers to have opportunities to gain the expertise and insight that clients depend on as AI takes over more routine legal tasks.

A native of Cork, McNulty began her career in criminal defence before transitioning to commercial practice at Mason Hayes & Curran. Her involvement within the Law Society includes serving on the Education and Litigation Committees as well as the solicitor wellbeing steering group. She has previously chaired the Younger Members Committee, showcasing her dedication to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.

Will Carmody, the Managing Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran, expressed pride in McNulty's achievement, stating, “Fiona's result is a significant achievement and recognition of the high regard in which she is held across the profession.” He acknowledged the important role of the Law Society in shaping the future of legal practice in Ireland, noting that McNulty and her colleague Paul Egan SC will continue to contribute their valuable experience as Council members. “Their commitment demonstrates the value we place on the professional standards that underpin client confidence,” he added.

Having joined Mason Hayes & Curran in 2019 and being promoted to partner in 2024, McNulty has played a pivotal role in one of Ireland's largest commercial law firms, which boasts over 670 staff and has offices in Dublin, New York, San Francisco, and London. As she embarks on this new term, her leadership is poised to influence both the practice of law and the wellbeing of solicitors across Ireland.