Barristers from North and South Attend Historic Meeting

The Bar Councils of Northern Ireland and Ireland met in formal session in Belfast on Friday 20th June. This is the first time Belfast has hosted a joint meeting of the two Bars and follows the reinstatement of the forum last year in Dublin after a gap of over 90 years since it ceased in 1921.

President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, Lord Neuberger is to deliver the keynote lecture to members of the Bars and guests from across the legal profession in Northern Ireland, as well as senior lawyers from Ireland, England, Scotland, South Africa and the USA. The event will take place at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Commenting on the occasion Chairman of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, Mark Mulholland QC said:

“There are many issues of common concern to barristers in both jurisdictions and this forum for discussion provides us with the chance to hear from the most respected legal minds and share best practice from other jurisdictions. We are honoured and delighted that Lord Neuberger has agreed to deliver his lecture to us. His presence is an endorsement of this meeting and comes at an important time as the Bar is looking to its future”.

David Nolan SC, Chairman of the Bar of Ireland said:

“This meeting is an opportunity to build on the success of last year’s inaugural meeting in Dublin between the two Bars and to develop the relationships which have been established between Barristers in the two jurisdictions.”

Speaking in advance of his lecture Lord Neuberger said:

“I am looking forward to being in Belfast and meeting barristers from both North and South. I will be sharing my views on the future of the profession and I expect I will also learn a great deal from other speakers on the day.”

Among those in attendance will be Derek Wood QC , Director of Advocacy at Middle Temple , London, Maura McGowan QC former Chair of the Bar England and Wales, Bill Robinson, former President of the American Bar Association and Jeremy Gauntlett SC, former Chair of the Bar in South Africa.