Learning curve
Siún explained: “My initial introduction to the Law Society Council was as a nominee of the West Cork Bar Association in 2017.
“Roll on two years, and I was encouraged to run in the Council election by Ken Murphy (former Law Society Director General), and Council colleagues,” she said.
“Being on the Council is a huge learning curve, from getting to know Council and committee structure, the membership of Council and committees, and the Law Society staff,” Siún continued.
“As well as being on Council, I serve on two extremely busy committees – as vice-chair of the Family and Child Law Committee and as a member of the Regulation of Practice Committee.”
She explained that, although family law and litigation are her areas of practice, being on Council has inspired her interest in regulation of practice, and how that area is influencing the development of the legal profession.
Social events
Siún added: “While Zoom offers convenience in attending meetings, I prefer to attend meetings in person, as it allows one to build a rapport with fellow Council and committee members, and the wonderful staff who work in the various departments of the Law Society”.
Council social events throughout the year also enable network-building.
“At this point in my life, I can give time to the commitment and demands of Council, the committees, and the external bodies on which I represent the Law Society.
“I must take my travel time into account, given I am based in West Cork, and there is also a lot of reading and preparation time before all Law Society meetings.
“Of course, this is only made possible by the generosity and support of my colleagues in O'Donovan, Murphy & Partners LLP Bantry, Co Cork,” she said.
'Duty and responsibility'
‘There is a sense of duty and responsibility to do your best for your colleagues and the profession on being elected to Council,” Siún noted.
“However, as a Council, or committee, member, you are a volunteer. If work commitments or court hearing dates clash with Council dates, work takes precedence.”
Siún observed that there was a huge variation in Council membership, which spanned large, medium, and small firms, sole practitioners, and public-sector and in-house lawyers.
“All take their seat in the Council chamber in Blackhall Place. The Council chamber evokes a sense of history, duty, and purpose,” she comments.
Purpose
The purpose of Council is set out in Queen Victoria's Royal Charter of 1852:
“For the better rule and government of the Law Society, and for the better direction and management of the concerns thereof.”
“The purpose as set out in the charter still stands with the Council members of today,” said Siún.
“When I asked some members why they ran for Council, the prevailing reason and purpose they gave was for the good of their colleagues and the good of the legal profession,” Siún Hurley concluded.
Nominations for election to the Law Society Council opened on 20 August and will close at 5pm on 10 September.