Fund available to help solicitors in need
The Solicitors' Benevolent Association (SBA) has reminded practitioners that it is available to assist members or former members of the solicitors' profession in Ireland, and their families, who are in need.
The association is a voluntary charitable body consisting of all members of the Law Society of Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland, although it is independent of both organisations.
It provides help on a confidential basis throughout the island of Ireland.
Voluntary subscriptions
The SBA is funded mainly by annual voluntary subscriptions from solicitors, but it also welcomes additional donations and bequests.
Solicitors are given the opportunity to make voluntary contributions when submitting their practising-certificate applications.
Solicitors can apply for assistance by downloading an application form and sending it to: contact@solicitorsbenevolentassociation.com.
Applications are considered by the SBA board, which may provide help in the form of monthly payments or occasional grants. Where there are realisable assets, the SBA may provide monthly grants by way of a loan.
Children helped
During the year to the end of November 2025, the association provided grants totalling just over €1 million to support 72 people.
Beneficiaries ranged in age from 30 to 83 years, and 26 of those receiving grants had children under 18 or in full-time education. The number of children indirectly helped was 58.
Most cases involved grants for living expenses, but some were also made to cover costs such as educational and medical expenses, electricity arrears, and funeral expenses.