The new group, open to solicitors, barristers, legal academics and law students, aims to operate as a network of radical lawyers to assist social, environmental and industrial movements in Ireland.

Declan Owens, the head of the UK’s Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers, attended the launch meeting this week, which was organised by trainee solicitors in the new Blackhall Society of Socialist Lawyers.

The meeting’s organiser, Karl Gill, said: “Over recent months we have worked hard to bring together solicitors, barristers and others into a new organisation. This grouping is far more than just another human rights organisation.

“We are socialists, concerned with class politics and social movements. Over the coming period we will build our membership and our presence will be visible on the streets in every progressive movement.

“Our presence will also be felt in the large firms, as we work to establish a trade union for legal sector workers, including solicitors.”

The new organisation will not be aligned to any political party and is “open to everyone that calls themselves a socialist”. Its inaugural meeting agreed to affiliate to two international organisations: European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights, and the International Association of Democratic Lawyers.

Ms Allen, incoming co-chairperson and a trainee solicitor, said: “We are socialists first and lawyers second. We aim to use the law to the benefit of working class communities and all those that suffer prejudice and discrimination.

“As a working mother of two young kids I know how hard it is for families right now. In combining our activism and legal skills we have a real opportunity to make an impact.”

Gary Daly, incoming co-chairperson and a solicitor, said: “This new group will play a crucial role in movements around housing, international solidarity, anti-racism, the environment and many other areas.

“As the world faces a cost of living crisis, environmental destruction and a rising far right, socialist lawyers need to be organised to support those fighting for progress.

“We are ready to provide legal opinion for progressive campaign groups, provide legal observers for demonstrations and publish statements concerning government policy and legislation as well as matters in the Oireachtas.

“We will also engage in public consultations and submit pre-budget submissions. Some of our members may agree to take on cases before the courts to further the objective of any cause we choose to support.

“Today we passed diverse motions including, a call for the acquittal of Irish humanitarian worker Sean Binder and his co-accused currently facing trial in Greece, a call for an increase in criminal legal aid fees and a motion for trade union recognition.”

Further information about the Socialist Lawyers’ Association of Ireland is available by contacting irishsocialistlawyers@gmail.com.