Bar Councils Meet for Annual Joint Session
Today the Bar Councils of Ireland and Northern Ireland met in formal session - the third time such a session has taken place in 90 years.
Both Bar Councils are responsible for the representation, governance and regulation of the profession in each of the respective jurisdictions. Judges and barristers from both jurisdictions will attend the joint meeting in King’s Inn, Dublin. Special guests include Chief Justices, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald and Chairman of Bar Council of England and Wales, Alistair McDonald QC (pictured)
Continued co-operation and liaison was welcomed by both the Chairmen of each Bar Council: Gerry McAlinden QC and David Barniville SC.
Gerry McAlinden QC, of the Bar of Northern Ireland echoes this sentiment – “Barristers in each jurisdiction face increasing challenges. This annual meeting enables us to discuss matters of common interest and consider opportunities for the future”.
Bar Council of Ireland Chairman, David Barniville SC commented – “Today’s meeting represents a further important step on the road to enhanced cooperation between our two Councils. Today’s meeting offers an opportunity to explore shared areas of expertise and best practice.”
Among the topics for discussion at today’s meeting are:
- Membership Demographics and Trends
- Regulation of the Profession
- Access to Justice through Legal Aid Schemes
- Role of the Bar in Pro-Bono work