THE new heads of the Attorney General’s Chambers and Isle of Man Law Society say they are looking forward to working together during what is expected to be a challenging time for the Manx legal profession.
Long-serving advocate John Quinn was officially sworn-in as Acting Attorney General in March, while Simcocks director Kevin O’Riordan began his two-year term of office as president of the Isle of Man Law Society in January.
Mr Quinn, himself a former President of the Isle of Man Law Society, has managed and developed several legal practices over a 30-year career.
Mr O’Riordan, a practising English solicitor as well as an Isle of Man advocate, has been named as a leader in his field by the independent directory Chambers UK, and recommended by the Legal 500 guide to the UK’s best law firms.
As well as dealing with their day-to-day responsibilities, the Attorney General’s Chambers and Law Society also have significant roles to play in the proposed reform of the Isle of Man’s criminal justice system.
Both organisations are represented on the Criminal Justice Board, which also comprises the heads of the Department of Home Affairs, the police, General Registry and the prison and probation service.
The board hopes to achieve improvements by modernising processes, streamlining administration and reducing the number of low-level offences appearing before the courts.
Mr Quinn, who has been appointed as acting Attorney General for a period of 12 months, said: ‘This is without doubt an important time for the legal profession in the Isle of Man and Chambers is committed to working in partnership with the Law Society and areas of Government to drive forward significant change.’
Mr O’Riordan added: ‘Encouraging progress has been made in terms of strengthening the links between the various relevant organisations. This will enable us to work together in trying to promote the interests of our profession and the Isle of Man in general.’
The current Attorney General, Stephen Harding, is suspended after he was charged with perverting the course of justice and perjury.