The Law Society of Ireland has appointed Mark Garrett, a managing director of global consulting firm Teneo, as its new director general.
He will commence the role on January 3rd. The appointment was approved by the Law Society Council at a meeting on Friday.
The Law Society, which is the representative body for Irish solicitors, said Mr Garrett has “extensive experience” in leadership and management both in the public and private sectors.
He has previously worked for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, as chief of staff to former tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, and in private sector organisations including McKinsey, Glanbia and Teneo.
He was educated in St Muredach’s College in Ballina, Co Mayo, University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology and King’s College London.
Law Society president James Cahill said the body was "pleased to welcome Mark Garrett as director general".
“Building on the outstanding work done to date, Mark will bring significant experience at a critical juncture in the Law Society’s history as we enter a new era,” he said.
“The Law Society is at a point in its evolution where it is facing substantial change and re-orientation, while being fortunate to have an excellent management team and staff.
“In order to meet the challenges ahead, we are delighted to appoint Mark, who brings to the role a wealth of knowledge and experience, and an impressive track record.
“We are confident that Mark will be a great asset to the solicitors’ profession in seizing the opportunities and dealing with the challenges that face us.
“On behalf of the profession, the current director general Mary Keane, and the Law Society executive, I wish Mark the best in his role as director general.”
Speaking on his appointment Mr Garrett said: “It is an honour to be appointed to this leadership role with the Law Society which has a long and proud history of serving, representing and supporting the legal profession and the public.
“The Law Society plays a vital role in Irish society. It represents solicitors in public life, provides excellent legal education and training, and promotes the maintenance of the highest standards.
“I look forward to helping the Law Society and the legal profession navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
