President Michele O’Boyle, the fourth woman to head the Law Society in its history, has highlighted women in leadership as a key priority for her term.

Ms O’Boyle said: “In December 1919, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 was enacted to allow women to enter the solicitors’ profession. One hundred years on, the great work of reaching equality within the profession has made strides.

“I think it is significant that my year as President falls during the centenary year that celebrates women’s entry to the legal profession.”

In 2014, the Irish solicitors’ profession became the first legal profession in the world to reach gender parity, when the number of practising certificates issued to women equalled the number issued to men.

However, Ms O’Boyle said equality “is not just about having equal numbers in the profession but having an equal voice at the decision making table”.

“In my inaugural speech as President of the Law Society I noted leadership is about privilege, and privilege brings responsibility. This International Women’s Day, I am encouraging greater equality in leadership roles in all areas of the profession,” she said.

The Law Society has published profiles of 15 women solicitors who hold leadership positions at the Law Society, including Council members and committee chairs.