Legal History Project rounded off with Gala Dinner

The Bar of Northern Ireland brought to a highpoint a year of events and initiatives marking one hundred years of law with a Gala Dinner on Friday 30th September.

The Gala Dinner, held at the Inn of Court, recognised and celebrated the many contributors to the Legal History Project, a series of lectures, podcasts and the Justisia initiative, an exhibition celebrating leading female barristers, to mark one hundred years of law in Northern Ireland.

The Legal History Project was supported by the Lady Chief Justice, with Dame Siobhan Keegan attending on the evening and providing a keynote address. Guests were drawn from academia, administration, the judiciary and the legal professions including, Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, Sara Phelan SC, Chair of the Bar of Ireland and Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar of England and Wales.

Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland, Moira Smyth KC was also in attendance and commented on the event and the Legal History Project:

“The Legal History Project provided us an opportunity to step back, reflect and evaluate the role played by the legal profession during the past century of Northern Ireland’s tumultuous history.

“The legal profession played an important role in upholding the Rule of Law during this time as well as preserving the fundamental principles of fairness, equality and access to justice for all of our citizens.

“The series of events and initiatives also included an important aspect of looking to the future and forward thinking. As we enter a new century of law, the Bar is more diverse and inclusive than at any point in our history. We also stand ready to embrace the modernisation of our legal system and prepared to shape change, consistent with our core principles.

“I would finally like to thank the very many Legal History Project contributors. They shared their expertise and knowledge in a spirit of generosity and for the benefit of generations to come.”

ENDS

Media Contact

Sinead McIvor - 07701 302 498