Ireland’s legal profession can meet the challenges of Brexit if “smart choices” are made, the Law Society of Ireland’s president will say in a major speech this afternoon.

Stuart Gilhooly will address delegates at International Bar Association’s 12th Annual Bar Leaders’ Conference at 2pm today.

Mr Gilhooly will highlight that more than 1,100 UK solicitors have joined the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland and that it is “likely we will see more”.

He will also say that Brexit has pushed global law firms Pinsent Masons and DLA Piper to bring forward their plans to open “reasonably substantial branch offices in Dublin” to this year if possible.

But the focus of his address will be on the need for the Irish legal profession to radically upskill by improving language skills and by developing “a competence on International trade law, cross border regulation, and a knowledge of the post-Brexit UK regime”.

Mr Gilhooly will also warn that increased competition for associate level talent, sparked by new entrants or the expansion of existing firms, could lead to “greater consolidation” of smaller law firms.

His address will conclude: “At a European and International Bar level, the loss of the UK to the European Union will be felt acutely. The United Kingdom’s contribution over the years has enriched the IBA’s output, and there is no reason why it should not continue into the future.

“With a common language and a common legal heritage, Ireland counts the UK as an important and close friend. The relationship between the UK and Ireland is unique amongst EU member states, not least because our citizens – our young people, families, students, our business interests – are so inextricably connected. Because of that, and our close working relationship, we have found ourselves on the same side on many policy debates.

“The International Bar Association must be commended for the range of stimulating and engaging Brexit related content and actions to date.

“It is my view that, as the representative body for bar associations across the globe, the IBA should work constructively to impress upon the negotiating teams of the UK, the Commission, and Dublin the strategic, economic and social importance of accommodating a common law legal system within the future UK-EU relationship.

“It may well be that we will be the UK’s only EU friend in the next two years but we must not be swayed by the potential animosity of some other EU countries. Everyone will have their own boat to paddle but the Irish Law Society needs to guide its ship into less choppy waters with the UK in its slipstream.”