The Southern Law Association (SLA) has confirmed a significant leadership change with the election of Jonathan Lynam as its president for 2026, marking a pivotal moment for one of Ireland’s most active legal associations.

The announcement follows the SLA’s recent AGM, where members also appointed Barry Kelleher as vice-president and welcomed the participation of Law Society of Ireland leaders including president Rosemarie Loftus and director-general Mark Garrett.

Mr Lynam, managing partner at Murphy Lynam Solicitors with offices in Cork and Dublin, brings deep industry experience across corporate, commercial, banking and finance law. His professional background spans mergers and acquisitions, intra-group reorganisations, joint ventures, private equity investment and a broad range of financing advisory work, informed by dual qualifications in Ireland and New York.

His long-standing involvement with the association adds further continuity. Serving on the SLA Council since 2017, as well as its commercial practice committee, he has also held roles within the Law Society’s Council and business law committee. The AGM offered members clear insight into his priorities as he prepares to lead the association through a period of continued sector evolution.

Addressing members after his election, Mr Lynam noted: “It is evident that we are in a period of rapid evolution, driven by developments in new technology, regulation, and the wider community itself.”

He highlighted the breadth of work underway within the profession, adding: “From e-conveyancing to artificial intelligence, from hybrid learning to succession planning, the numerous projects currently underway reflect a profession adapting, modernising, and preparing for the years ahead.”

Mr Lynam also emphasised the need for practical, workable reform supported by regional and national collaboration, noting that the profession’s ability to adapt proactively and support practitioner wellbeing would be essential in the years ahead.

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