Board of Directors

Mary Emer’s background and experience 

I practiced as a solicitor from 1976 to 2012. During that time I managed a very busy and successful general practice specialising in litigation, family law, conveyancing, probate and corporate advises to SME’s in the west of Ireland.  My experience in general practice as a solicitor, particularly in the area of corporate governance, will be of assistance with EPIC. 

I was appointed by the government to be a District Court Judge in 2012 and permanently assigned to the District Court Area of Limerick in 2013 where I then worked for 9 years.  During this period I had primary  responsibility for one of the largest and busiest family law and childcare lists in the country.  I also dealt with criminal, civil and other matters.  In 2021, I was assigned to the District Court area of Clare sitting at Ennis, Kilrush and Gort District Courts with sole responsibility for all matters coming before the court including family law, childcare law, crime and civil.  I retired in May 2023. 

Mary Emer’s motivation for joining the board

“My experience as a Judge has made me acutely aware of the lives of children in care and I have dealt with some of the most complicated cases in the country involving children in care.

By becoming a member of the Board of EPIC, I bring my very particular experience as a childcare Judge to bear in advocating for the rights of children in care. My skills as a solicitor, with broad legal knowledge, will also be of assistance to EPIC.”