Female representation rises as 34 barristers take silk

(Pictured L-R: New KCs Steven McQuitty KC & Geraldine McCullough KC with Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA and Moira Smyth KC, Chair of the Bar of NI)

Today, thirty-four members of the Bar of Northern Ireland are being appointed as King’s Counsel (KC), otherwise known as taking silk.

Of the thirty-four members of the Bar of Ireland Northern being called, twelve are female. This represents a three-fold increase on the number of females represented during the last call in February 2020.

The title of KC is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. The advocates were appointed on the basis of a rigorous and objective selection process which took place at the end of last year. The appointment of the new KCs was approved by Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA shortly after the restoration of the Executive.

The depth of expertise of the thirty-four new KCs is considerable, and their combined areas of specialist practice range from criminal law, family law to many disciplines within the civil law sphere.

Moira Smyth KC, Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland commented on the appointment of the new King’s Counsel:

“The new King’s Counsel will serve the public, without fear and favour and draw on their considerable experience of the law, advocacy and litigation to represent the best interests of their clients and the administration of justice. They will apply their skills and expertise in the most serious or complex of cases, ensuring access to justice for all and contributing to an efficient and effective justice system.

“In a fast-paced, modern legal world, the King’s Counsel title is a strong indication of excellence and offers a reliable mark of quality.”

Moira Smyth KC continued:

“I am particularly pleased to see twelve new female KCs take silk today. The Bar Council has made a concerted effort to promote diversity at the Bar and support our female practitioners as they serve the public interest in the most challenging of legal matters whilst also navigating the challenges of self-employment.

“This call to the Senior Bar is momentous occasion for all thirty-four new KCs and their families. I offer my congratulations to them all and wish them well in future practice. I would also like to pay tribute to the selection panel for their diligence and objectivity throughout the rigorous assessment process.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. List of new KCs:

Gary Potter KC

Barry Gibson KC

Neale Matthews KC

John O’Hare KC

Michael Egan KC

Conor Campbell KC

David Russell KC

Grainne Murphy KC

Simon Reid KC

Robin Steer KC

Ian Turkington KC

Jill Lindsay KC

Laura Ievers KC

Kevin Magill KC

Aidan Sands KC

Louise Murphy KC

Sinead O’Flaherty KC

Eoghan Devlin KC

Richard McConkey KC

Geraldine McCullough KC

Wayne Atchison KC

Philip Henry KC

David Heraghty KC

Joseph O’Keeffe KC

Melaine Rice KC

Michael Chambers KC

Laura McMahon KC

Steven McQuitty KC

Rachel Best KC

Peter Hopkins KC

Denise Kiley KC

Fiona Fee KC

Rosemary Walsh KC

Stephen Toal KC