Law Soc election hopefuls close to a deal

Discussions over Easter look likely to have sealed a three-way Law Society presidential election ticket between Phillip Sycamore, Michael Mathews and Robert Sayer.

When The Lawyer went to press, Sayer was still deliberating over Sycamore's surprise offer for him to stand with him as his deputy vice-president and treasurer in this year's elections.

But there are indications from both sides that a deal may be in the making, although little was given away for fear of jeopardising negotiations.

"There have been some very productive discussions between us," said Sycamore, who reiterated earlier statements that there was more that united Sayer and himself than divided them.

Sayer, who has been a frequent and vehement critic of the society, said both sides were comfortable about agreeing to disagree on some issues.

Anthony Bogan, who was initially sketched in as Sayer's deputy, has publicly stated he will support Sayer whatever his decision and there has been strong support from within the Law Society council for the joint ticket.

The wild card is Martin Mears, former Law Society president, who has fallen out with Sayer, his one-time vice-president. Mears has announced he will be standing for the presidential post again.