As I prepare these brief remarks to introduce myself as your President for 2026, I feel the weight of the history of this role as I reflect on the solicitors who came together over 160 years ago, to ‘promote good feeling and fair and honourable practice amongst members of the profession …’.

The modern Law Society of NSW evolved from the Incorporated Law Institute of NSW, formalised in 1884, but which had its beginnings in 1862, when there were about 160 solicitors practising in NSW.

It now falls to me to lead this organisation that represents the interests of nearly 45,000 solicitors and to advance our mission of ‘defending the rights of all’.

You serve the administration of justice, and uphold the rule of law, through your respective practices across myriad roles.

Whether you’re a busy sole practitioner on a country town high street, providing legal aid services to vulnerable clients; an early career lawyer looking to make a difference; a government solicitor providing robust advice to your department or minister; an in-house counsel ensuring your enterprise succeeds while respecting the law; a managing partner overseeing a workforce of hundreds; or working in a Community Legal Centre; the Law Society of NSW is here to serve you.

It's my honour to be part of that service, working with fellow Councillors and the staff of the Law Society, to advocate on your behalf to government on policies and issues affecting the profession directly; deliver CPD and conferences of unequalled quality; provide ethical advice through the Professional Support Unit; and co-regulate the profession.

I plan to share my background of service with the Law Society and the legal profession more broadly at our Opening of Law Term Dinner on Thursday, 5 February. I’ll also share with you my President’s Priorities for this year and announce my President’s Charity. Whatever I say, though, is very likely to be outshone by the Hon. Andrew Bell, giving the traditional Chief Justice’s Opening of Law Term Address. There are still a few seats available, which you can book here.

If you hear me speak at that, or any event during this year, you’ll quickly conclude I’m not NSW born and raised. By accident of birth, I grew up and was educated in the west of Ireland. By a fortunate choice, I came to Sydney to practise many years ago and have done so across all sectors: private practice, government and in-house including the not-for profit sector.

In taking the office of President, I’m deeply conscious that I stand on the shoulders of those who have served before me. I thank Jennifer Ball for her outstanding leadership of this organisation last year. I also hope I can lay a path for my successor, Jaqueline Dawson, that is as clear of obstruction and as rich with opportunity as the path Jennifer laid for me.

Ronan MacSweeney, President, The Law Society of NSW