Benchers’ Prizegiving 2019

Last month saw the Bar host the Benchers’ Prizegiving in the Inn of Court.

It was a night of celebration as thirteen prizes were awarded to celebrate excellence and advocacy to members of the 2019 call.

2019 marked the eleventh-year anniversary of the John PB Maxwell Scholarships, and this year’s awards were increased in value as a special tribute. Over forty John PB Maxwell Scholars have entered the Bar of Northern Ireland since the awards began.

James Toal Chair of the Young Bar Association said; “It is always a pleasure to attend the Benchers’ Prizegiving, and to have an opportunity to meet some of the newly called barristers who are deserving recipients of the JPB Maxwell Scholarships, Inn of Court Prizes and the Bencher’s Advocacy Prizes.

Commencing life at the Bar can be challenging for new counsel, who do not receive payment during pupillage, and so the sums awarded will make a very tangible difference to the winning pupils in assisting with the costs associated with setting up a practice at the Bar. This year, the Maxwell Scholarships have been doubled so that the top prize is now £10,000, which is an astounding sum and a mark of John Maxwell’s amazing spirit of generosity and commitment to the Bar.

I would like once again to thank him and also the Benchers of the Inn of Court for establishing these prizes, which are so important in helping ensure that those at the outset of their careers have the opportunity to thrive at the Bar”.