On 24 September 2024, the Bar of Ireland welcomed 85 members to the Law Library, marking the beginning of their legal careers.
The new practitioners, referred to as their first year as Devils, or Pupils, join the approximately 2,140 existing Bar members, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise that promise to further enrich the work and contributions within the Law Library.
The class of 2024 is comprised of 47% women and 53% men with an average age of 35. The members come from The Honourable Society of King’s Inns, representing a diverse group of students, including recent university graduates and individuals transitioning into law after careers in other professional fields.
Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland Seán Guerin SC welcomed the new members in an address Tuesday morning,
As Council of The Bar of Ireland, we are dedicated to continue attracting the best talent to the profession and ensuring we retain that talent once they join us. Retention to the profession is the only guarantee to a future for the profession.
Ultimately, our job as barristers is to speak on behalf of those who have entrusted us with the responsibility to advocate for them in a court setting. As of next week, you will join your Law Library colleagues in the privilege of carrying out that responsibility each and every working day of your career. It is a wonderful profession and I wish you every success for the future.
Supporting the Next Generation
In recent years, the Bar of Ireland has made significant strides in enhancing the training and support provided to new members. This includes the formalisation of training for ‘Masters’—senior barristers who mentor and guide Pupils—as well as reforms regarding the payment of fees by Masters, and the implementation of a dedicated Dignity at Work Protocol, all of which contribute to a more secure and supportive working environment.
Additionally, under the Bar’s Equality Action Plan, all incoming members will be surveyed on demographic and wellbeing aspects, allowing the Bar to continually refine its offerings to better meet the evolving needs and expectations of future barristers.
Enhancing pathways to the barrister profession and bridging the gap between higher education and access to professional practice continue to be a priority in The Bar of Ireland.
- Click here to learn more about the Education & Training Committee.
- To learn more about The Bar of Ireland’s Equality Action Plan and additional Equality Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, please click here.
- Media contact: Q4 Public Relations Sinéad McGovern sinead@q4pr.ie 087 6411725
ENDS
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