Run for Council – 7 tips for candidates

07/08/2024 11:11:00

Have you considered running for election in the Law Society Council? See some tips from previous successful candidates and information about the election process.

Running a successful campaign

Previous successful candidates have shared these top tips for canvassing colleagues to vote for you in terms of personal touch, your profile and work and Bar Association support.

  1. Identify solicitors you know personally and reach out directly to ask them to vote for you and help spread the word. The Law Directory is a great tool for identifying your colleagues and their contact details.

  2. Remember to make personal telephone calls to colleagues who may not be tech savvy.

  3. Raise your profile by participating in Law Society and professional events, speak on panels and contribute to Gazette articles where possible.

  4. Use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues, trainees and organisations on this platform to expand your network – share their work too! 

  5. Once your nomination is confirmed, you can upload a 500-word canvassing profile – include a headshot photo, highlights of what you will offer, your objectives and your achievements on behalf of the profession to date.

  6. Speak with the President of your local Bar Association and request their support and/or nomination, and to share your candidacy with their members to vote for you. 

  7. Email or call members of your Bar Association directly, to request their support and ask if they would seek support for you from one other person outside of the Bar Association. 

Key election dates

Nominations for the 2024/25 council open on the earlier date of 20 August and close on 10 September 2024. 

The greater the diversity of membership across different areas of law, experience, geographic location, and practice type the more representative the council will be. We encourage you to get involved by running for election or nominating a colleague, and by voting for your preferred candidates.

If interested, you must hold Law Society membership and be nominated by two other Law Society members and neither of these can be an existing council member. Law Society members can nominate up to two candidates.

Please note that both the nomination process and casting your vote will take place through a secure area of the Law Society website, so make sure you know your solicitor number and password ahead of time. Contact us (webmaster) if you need any assistance.

Here to help

If you have any queries in relation to nominations, voting or elections please contact the Council Elections team. councilelections@lawsociety.ie.