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expenses since 1939, and these increases in overhead
expenses have been offset neither by an increase
in the volume o f business nor in the level o f solicitors,
remuneration.
Apart from private practice, a young solicitor
has the alternative o f seeking employment as a
solicitor in the Government service or as a qualified
assistant to another solicitor. I have no hesitation
in saying that either alternative gives a very poor
return for the time and money spent in becoming
qualified. Present standards o f pay in the non-legal
ranks in the Civil Service (which is a risk-free
occupation) are far more rewarding than the
prospects o f remuneration o f a young solicitor of
equivalent intelligence and ability. I f a young man
has an equal chance o f getting a Junior Adminis
trative position in the Civil Service on the Solicitors’
Final, I would advise him, on grounds o f
remuneration—“ go for the Civil Service.”
The checking o f the Solicitors’ Bill in the various
departments o f the State is, I understand, almost
complete and it is hoped that by the end o f this
session it will be in the hands o f the Government
with a view to its introduction in the Dail.
I will conclude this address, I am sure to your
relief, with a brief summary o f some o f the principal
matters which are or have been engaging the
Council’s attention since November last. Certain
difficulties arose in connection with the procedure
on completing sales, where an advance was made
by the Dublin Corporation under the Small
Dwellings’ Act. I am glad to say that after
discussions between my predecessor, Mr. Boyd
and Mr. Walsh, the Law Agent to the Corporation,
the difficulties were largely overcome.
A detailed case for improved salaries for solicitors
in the legal offices in the State Service was submitted
to the Minister for Finance. I cannot say that the
reply received was entirely satisfactory, but the
matter is still under consideration by the Council.
Negotiations have also taken place with the
Department o f Local Government concerning the
salaries and conditions o f service offered for the
position of wholetime solicitors to local authorities.
In the Land Registry the continual delay has
been the subject of many representations by the
Council and members may rest assured that the
Council will make every effort to have the position
remedied.
The Council have also under consideration the
question o f a uniform scale o f mortgagee’s costs
where loans are granted under the Small Dwellings’
It has been suggested by a local Law Society that
a scheme should be established and operated by the
profession itself for insuring members against
liability for professional negligence and this proposal
is being examined. I mention these as examples
o f the kind o f problem with which the Council
has to deal, apart from the day-to-day work o f the
Society. In this way, the members o f the Council
endeavour to justify the confidence which you
have reposed in them by electing them to represent
you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for coming
here to-day and for the patience with which you
have listened to me. ”
The following resolutions were then proposed
by Mr. Cox and seconded by Mr. J. J . Hickey
and, having been put to the meeting, were carried
unanimously :—
That the following new bye-law be adopted :
“ 29A .
The Council shall in each year
appoint a final date (in either October or
November) for receipt of nominations of
candidates for election to the Council, and the
date (in the month of November) of the poll
or election. Notice o f such dates shall be
sent by post to each member not later than
ten days before the final date for receipt o f
nominations. Each nomination paper must
be received by the Secretary, by post or other
wise, at his office not later than four o’clock
p.m. on the date first mentioned.”
That the last sentence in bye-law 30 be deleted.
That bye-laws 33 and 34 be amended by
deleting the words “ on or before the 14th day
o f November” where they appear in each
bye-law and by substituting the words “ at
least one week before the date o f the poll or
election.”
That bye-law 36 be amended by deleting
the words “ on the 21st of November in each
year ” in lines 1 and 2 and substituting “ in
each year on the date appointed by the Council
under bye-law
2 9 A ” ,
and by deleting the words
“ 2jst o f November ” in line 18 and substituting
the word “ date.”
Mr. T. Desmond McLoughlin, speaking on
behalf o f the solicitors in the State service, thanked
the Council and the Secretary for the work they
had done on behalf o f these solicitors.
Mr. Hayes proposed, and Mr. Henry St. J. Blake
seconded a vote o f thanks to the Chairman for
his address, and his conduct o f the meeting, which
was carried with acclamation. The President replied
and the proceedings terminated.