Mark of Legal Excellence | 27 Members Called to the Inner Bar

Today, The Bar of Ireland extends its congratulations to its twenty-seven members who are being called to the Inner Bar at the Supreme Court.

The “Call to the Inner Bar,” often referred to as “Taking Silk,” is a recognition of the barrister’s exceptional legal expertise, professional achievements, and contributions to the legal community marking a significant milestone in their career.

Patents of Precedence were granted today by the Chief Justice, Hon Mr. Justice Donal O’Donnell, conferring on those twenty-seven barristers the status of Senior Counsel.

Marking the occasion, Seán Guerin SC, Chair of the Bar of Ireland said:

“Today’s Call to the Inner Bar marks an exceptional milestone in the professional journeys of these twenty-seven members of The Bar. Taking silk is not only the recognition of their individual legal practice and expertise but of their contributions to the barrister profession.

The skills in advocacy and the mastery of the law they have shown are invaluable assets, not just to their clients but to the entire justice system. Further, their achievements today reaffirm the critical role that Senior Counsel play in supporting the rule of law and strengthening the social and economic framework of the State.

The recent introduction of legal partnerships should not obscure the contribution that has been and continues to be made by an independent referral Bar. The traditional Bar values of excellence in learning and advocacy, complete independence, and willingness to act for all clients in accordance with the cab-rank rule underpin access to justice and provide crucial support for administration of justice and the public good in Ireland. That is a tradition of which we, as a profession, are immensely proud.”

Senior Counsel, often identified by their silk robes, are entrusted with more complex and high-profile cases, demonstrating mastery in specialised areas such as criminal or civil law.

Following today, there will be now 389 Senior Counsel at The Bar of Ireland, of which 21% are female. The Bar continues to support and promote the Inner Bar as a viable career route and progression for female colleagues as well as support the continuing development of our all our members through extensive work on our professional and training programmes.

Those Called to the Inner Bar, from the membership of The Bar of Ireland, are: