What you need to know

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

The Society warmly welcomes affiliation applications from Local Associations (LAs). This is designed to improve connections with the membership and build resilience in the legal profession.

2. WHY AFFILIATE WITH THE LAW SOCIETY?

Affiliation offers local associations a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their voice, expand their impact, and play a more direct role in shaping the future of the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland.

As part of a one-year pilot scheme, affiliated associations will benefit from:

  • Stronger representation and influence
    A clearer route to contributing to Law Society discussions, policy development, and the future direction of the profession.
  • Closer collaboration with the Law Society
    Opportunities to engage more regularly with the Society, share local insights, and contribute to shaping services and priorities.
  • Influence over future benefits and services
    Affiliated associations will help shape how the scheme evolves, ensuring it delivers meaningful, practical value to their members.
  • Enhanced profile and recognition
    Affiliation signals a commitment to leadership within the profession and strengthens the association’s visibility within the wider legal community.
  • A voice in governance (future ambition)
    As the Society explores reforms to its Council structure, affiliated associations may have the opportunity to nominate representatives, ensuring local perspectives are directly reflected at leadership level.
  • Financial support to grow engagement
    A £1,000 grant to help develop initiatives that build an active, connected, and vibrant local membership.

Participation is entirely voluntary. This pilot phase will be reviewed with affiliated associations, with the aim of developing a sustainable, long-term affiliation model that delivers enduring value.

3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Launching as a Pilot Scheme in Year One, LAs can voluntarily apply for affiliation and will receive £1,000 per annum to support their activities. 

To secure affiliation, LAs should demonstrate as a minimum: 

  • Office Holder details
  • A full membership list
  • A Constitution or Terms of Reference (a draft template been provided to LAs, which can be adapted to suit individual needs - available to download below)
  • Minutes of AGM and 1 additional meeting.
  • A registered bank account in the LA’s name; or alternatively an account designated by the LA. The majority of existing LAs have their own separate bank account in the LA’s name. 

N.B. Member Recommendation - Amber Law in Danske Bank (07940650495) for LAs wishing to set up a separate bank account in the LA's name.

4. HOW TO APPLY

Key points:

  1. Eligibility Review: Ensure that your LA meets the eligibility criteria outlined above.
  2. Application Form: Complete and submit all sections of the online Application Form (link below)
  3. Supporting Documentation: Send your supporting documents to Member Services 

5. OUTCOME AND NEXT STEPS

Member Services will write to you and confirm your LA’s affiliation status. The Society reserves the right to cancel affiliation if information provided is later found to be incorrect.

As this is a pilot scheme, it will be evaluated after 12 months of operation, in April 2027, for the Society to decide if it should be rolled out permanently going forward. If you are interested in affiliation, we encourage you to submit your applications as soon as possible.

We will ask LAs to take part in the review in order to collate feedback on how the Scheme has worked and how the funding has been used.