Law Society of Northern Ireland Hosts First-of-its-Kind Legal Townhall in County Fermanagh
The Law Society of Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Fermanagh Solicitors’ Association, has held its first legal townhall in County Fermanagh, bringing together local solicitors and elected representatives for an open and constructive discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession and wider community.
The event, held in Enniskillen, featured contributions from Diana Armstrong MLA (Ulster Unionist Party), Deborah Erskine MLA (Democratic Unionist Party), and Áine Murphy MLA (Sinn Féin). Together with representatives from the local legal sector, they explored a range of pressing issues including:
- The impact of local court and custody suite closures on access to justice in rural communities;
- The need for renewed support for small businesses operating in the region;
- Strategies to improve recruitment and retention of young people into the legal profession.
Speaking after the event, Chair of the Fermanagh Solicitors Association, Brian Charity, said:
“This townhall marks an important step in strengthening engagement between the legal profession and political representatives at a local level. We are committed to ensuring the voice of solicitors is heard, particularly in areas where justice infrastructure and professional opportunities are under increasing pressure.”
This event is the first in a planned series of townhalls to be held across Northern Ireland. The Law Society intends to continue this programme in other regions, with further political engagement and follow-up discussions to help shape practical and policy-driven solutions to the challenges raised.
