Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Bar of Ireland is playing its part in delivering the transformative power of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to the business of law, as set out within The Bar of Ireland’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024. We are committed to building a working environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued, and ensuring the full, equal and effective participation of all.

A more diverse profession brings a greater variety of experience, enhanced insights, skill sets, tactics and decision-making. Greater inclusion reflects community expectations of fairness in all aspects of the administration of the law, and ensures a profession that is more representative of the composition of the community it serves.

EDI & Wellbeing Coordinator – as of May 2024, the Bar of Ireland appointed a full-time EDI & Wellbeing Coordinator dedicated to supporting all current members. Supporting members wellbeing, particularly their intellectual wellbeing is a key priority of the Council. The Bar is committed to acting as a driving force in fostering equality, diversity and inclusion across the legal profession.

Policies, Publications and Protocols

Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Member Supports:

  • Mind your Mind | Consult a Colleague: We offer confidential helpline available, as well as discounted psychotherapy sessions to support all members with any issues whether personal or professional.
  • Dignity at Work (DAW) Protocol: The Bar’s DAW Protocol aims to promote respect, dignity safety and equality between members and to ensure that all members of the Law Library are aware that all forms of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are unacceptable.
  • Disability Support: The Bar is committed to supporting those with disabilities, and is a signatory to the disAbility Legal Network.
  • Equality & Resilience Committee: The Committee oversees the development and implementation of initiatives that promote equality and diversity at the Bar, ensuring where possible that each member’s ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination.
  • EDI & Allyship Lending Collection: This book collection is intended to support members in developing a more comprehensive understanding of allyship and EDI-related topics, including, among others, gender, social mobility, race, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation.
  • Kyle – Deverell Law & Women Mentoring Programme: This programme strives to further gender parity in the legal profession through providing support to female counsel.
  • Parental supports and resources: We offer parents at the Bar related supports and resources, including reduced subscription rates for those taking maternity/adoptive leave.
  • Personal Support Hub: The Bar provides a dedicated online Personal Support Hub, which provides access to a range of personal and professional supports and resources meant to assist members in building resilience and developing their performance in carrying out their professional function.
  • The Denham Fellowship: This programme supports aspiring barristers who come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to gain access to a professional legal education at the King’s Inns and professional practice at the Bar.

An Equal Opportunity Employer