Mayo Solicitors Bar Association
The Mayo solicitors’ bar association was founded in 1906. Through the years many members of the association rose to prominence in the law, politics and business in Ireland. Mayo solicitors have produced a number of government Ministers, T.Ds, Senators, a Chief Justice and numerous Judges of the Courts, County registrars, land commissioners, tribunal chairmen and sportsmen in many disciplines.
The Mayo solicitors’ bar association has provided four Presidents of the law society of Ireland. Thomas Valentine (Val) O’Connor of Swinford in 1972 was the first member of the association to become President of that society. He was followed by Adrian P. Bourke from Ballina in 1991. Patrick O’Connor of P. O’Connor & Son solicitors Swinford, a grandson of one of the founding members of the association and son of Val O’Connor, was its President in 1998 and at the turn of this century /millennium in 2000 Ward McEllin of Claremorris was President.
Through its years of existence the association has been recognised as one of the best representative lawyers’ associations in Ireland. Some of its representative functions could be emulated by others -even at national level!
The Mayo solicitors’ bar association has and had as its core principles:-
- Controlling the conduct of its members in their professional business between themselves and the public.
- Safeguarding the interest of the public and members of the association.
- Protecting and promoting the interests of the solicitors’ profession.
The objects of the association have remained substantially the same through the years such that it continues to be a vibrant association representing the interests of its members. It does not have the conflict of interest which sometimes exists when a body seeks to both represent and regulate.
Mayo solicitors who have a long and distinguished history of representing the public will continue to provide services to the highest professional standards. With vision, spirit, integrity and cooperation the Mayo solicitors’ bar association and its members have a good, fruitful and independent future of serving the needs of the people of Ireland and this county.