The Bar of Ireland Podcasts

Latest Episodes

In the third and final part of the Tax Bar’s podcast on tax litigation, Frank Mitchell SC and Lorna Gallagher BL discuss procedure post receipt of the TAC determination namely, appealing to the High Court, the case stated process and tax litigation through the Courts.

For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie

Join Ann Marie Hardiman (Publisher, Think Media), David Leonard BL, Sinead McGovern (Director, Q4) & Cormac O’Culain (Director of Communications at The Bar of Ireland), as they explore the role of lawyers as communicators, examining how legal professionals convey complex legal concepts to clients, courts, and the public.

Communications as a form of practice development and growth, leveraging contributions across multiple channels, and the evolving role of technology in legal discourse all figure in this conversation.

Additional guidance to members is available at the Ethics Hub of the member portal.

Arbitrator Susan Ahern SC of the Sports Law Bar Association welcomes William McAuliffe, Head of Disciplinary at UEFA and Giovanni Maria Fares, Counsel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to the podcast. In this episode, they discuss how they came to practice in the area of sporting disputes, their areas of work and some key learnings from their careers so far.

Attend the Sports Law Bar Association Conference on 6th December – Register here

In the second part of the Tax Bar’s podcast on tax litigation, Frank Mitchell SC and Lorna Gallagher BL discuss further the key topics surrounding tax disputes. Their discussion covers essential aspects of tax litigation, including the burden of proof, the possibility of amending the notice of appeal, discovery-related applications, the role of expert witnesses, and the sequence of proceedings before the Tax Appeals Commission.

For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie

The first in a three part series, Frank Mitchell SC and Lorna Gallagher BL discuss Tax Litigation and the Tax Appeal Process, along with the impact of Legislative Reform on Tax in Ireland.

For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie

Katie Nagle BL and Liam Vanmechelen BL join the podcast to speak about dispute resolution, their journey to practice and their upcoming trip to the New York for the 2024 International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) internship programme. More about the ICDR is available at www.icdr.org – and more about Alternative Dispute Resolution at The Bar of Ireland can be found at www.lawlibrary.ie/adr

Róisín O’Mara BL and Simon Wilson BL are recipients of the 2024 Innocence Scholarships from The Bar of Ireland, who are undertaking work on projects in the USA which aim to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create equitable systems of justice for all.

Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL, Chair of The Bar of Ireland’s Voluntary Assistance Scheme, discusses the Innocence Project in the United States, pro bono work and her own personal path to practice.

In the Tax Bar Association’s first podcast, David McGrath BL and Catherine Dunne BL consider the recent High Court decision in The Revenue Commissioners v Tobin [2024] IEHC 96 concerning the meaning of “full and true disclosure” in the context of the four-year time limit on Revenue’s power to raise assessments.

The podcast is hosted by Dearbhla Cunningham BL, a committee member of the Tax Bar Association.

View the judgment here.

For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie.

Paul Maier BL is a barrister specialising in employment law and was called to The Bar in 2022. In this episode, Paul tells the story of his unique path to the Bar, his practice and the differences between the Irish and American legal systems.

For Pro Bono Week Ireland 2024, Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL, Chair of The Bar of Ireland’s Voluntary Assistance Scheme, hosts a roundtable discussion with representatives from various organisations to explore the pro bono landscape in Ireland.

Joining the discussion are Liam Herrick of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Eilis Barry of Free Legal Advice Centres, and Sean Beatty BL.

Journalist Tommie Gorman joins barrister Turlough O’Donnell SC for a wide-ranging discussion on the lessons learned in the mediating of the discussions which led to the Good Friday Agreement.

This session was organised by the European Association of Judges for Mediation (GEMME).

Introduced by Ms. Justice Ann Power, Judge of the Court of Appeal.

Arbitrator, Mediator and Advocate Joseph Matthews joins Turlough O’Donnell SC for an insightful discussion on their experiences of mediation and negotiation throughout their respective careers.

This seminar, entitled “Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Mediation with some reference to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023” was recently hosted by The Bar of Ireland.

Why legislate for the protection of hedgerows?

The Protection of Hedgerows Bill 2023, prepared by a working Group of Comhshaol – The Climate Bar Association, seeks to safeguard the native Irish hedgerow, a crucial element of our landscape and natural heritage that provides vital ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and reservoirs of biodiversity.

Leesha O’Driscoll SC is a member of the Climate Bar Association and part of the Hedgerows Legislation Project who have drafted this Bill which the Green Party intends to introduce as a private members bill next year.

For more, visit naturaljustice.ie

What role does mediation play in the resolution personal injuries disputes, and how doe lawyers play a part in this process?

In this episode, Cathy Smith SC & Aoife Farrelly BL speak about the topic of personal injuries mediation, it’s advantages, and recent developments in the area.

Intro Music: Positive Fuse – French Fuse

The Electoral Commission, formed in 2023, is a new independent body that will oversee all elections in Ireland. In this episode, Tomás Keys BL is joined by Art O’Leary, the CEO of the Commission, to talk about the work of this new statutory body, the new electoral constituencies, and what work is being done ahead of upcoming referendums and elections.

Intro Music: Positive Fuse – French Fuse

In this podcast, renowned artist Vera Klute joins Patrick T. Murphy of the Royal Hibernian Academy in her studio as she works on the 2023 In Plain Sight commission.

The subject of this year’s portrait is Frances Moran, the first woman to become Senior Counsel in Ireland and Britain.

This wide-ranging conversation touches on some of Vera’s previous work, as well as the significance of undertaking this commission for The Bar of Ireland and King’s Inns.

In Plain Sight is a joint initiative between The Bar of Ireland and The Honorable Society of King’s Inns to increase representation of women in the law through portraiture. Learn more and contribute at lawlibrary.ie/inplainsight

Introduction by Aoife Farrelly BL
Intro Music: Please – Wayne Jones

Religious speech or hate speech?

New legislation raises questions about the potential criminalisation of aspects of religious speech. In this episode, Grace Sullivan BL speaks on some of the points raised in her recent Bar Review article on the topic.

Read Grace’s article in The Bar Review

What’s changing in planning law?

Tom Flynn SC provides a whistlestop tour of the Draft Planning & Development Bill, and some key questions that have arisen out of its publication.

Read the Oireachtas Report on the Pre-legislative Scrutiny of the Draft Bill

Read Tom’s article in The Bar Review.

View Tom’s Law Library profile

Why is the process of discovery considered onerous and burdensome, and what has been proposed to improve this?

Discussing the recommendations of the Review of the Administration of Civil Justice, Emile Burke-Murphy BL and Roddy Bourke, Litigation Partner at McCann Fitzgerald, outline the proposed changes and some considerations of how a new scheme for discovery will affect civil litigation and access to justice. Read more in Roddy and Emile’s recent Bar Review article.

Discussing her recent Bar Review article co-written with Sean Gillane SC, Eithne Reid O’Doherty BL outlines the legal landscape around domestic abuse, coercive control and stalking – as well as what still needs to be done.

Content Warning: This episode contains some graphic discussion of domestic abuse cases which some listeners may find upsetting.

An all-island football league?

SLBA Podcast Competition winners Noel Campbell Jr. BL & Neil Horgan BL are joined by a stellar line-up of guests, discussing Irish football post-Brexit and the opportunities and challenges surrounding a potential all-island league.

Do we have a right to a healthy environment?

Clíona Kimber SC and Dr. Andrew Jackson of UCD talk on a model environmental law, Climate Case Ireland, biodiversity and their outlook on the future in this all-encompassing discussion on climate law.

The Council of The Bar of Ireland recently welcomed a new General Scheme of a Bill addressing Human Trafficking issues; however had raised some issues in an October submission to the Oireachtas Justice Committee.

In this podcast, Colm O’Dwyer SC highlights some issues in the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022.

Read the submission here: www.lawlibrary.ie/app/uploads/secu…sCttee-final.pdf

As winners of the Sports Law Bar Association (SLBA) Podcast Competition, Noel Campbell Jr BL and Neal Horgan BL meet with a range of sports personalities to discuss what the implications of Brexit are on football in Ireland.

In this episode hosted by Ali Bracken Ziad BL, Noel and Neal hear from Dr. Seán Ó Connaill, UCC; Liam Kearney, Head of Academy at Cork City FC; Brian O’Callaghan, Treaty United; Brendan O Sullivan, Solicitor, and Niamh O’Mahony, Football Supporters Europe and recently elected to the board of the FAI.

For more information on the SLBA and their conference on 2nd December, visit slba.ie.

Climate migration, displacement, international protection and Ukraine – Michael Conlon SC & Denise Brett SC speak on these issues and more related to Immigration, Asylum and Citizenship law in this episode of our in Focus Series.

For more information on IACBA, visit www.iacba.ie.

Intro Music: Positive Fuse – French Fuse

The crypto-asset market has increasingly become an area of intense interest for policymakers and regulators in recent years; John Breslin SC and David Sweetman BL delve into this topic and chart how the law is responding to developments in this new area.

Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 4. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews

Tomás Keys BL considers the new Order 99 Rule 9 of the Rules of the Superior Courts – including how a recent judgement casts light on how wasted costs orders can now possibly be brought against barristers as well as solicitors.

Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 4. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews

To celebrate Black History Month 2022, Law Library Members Aoife Farrelly BL and Femi Daniyan BL are joined by three aspiring lawyers and third level students Teniola Shittu, Eric Ehigie and Munachi Soribe.

The wide-ranging discussion focuses on the students’ perceptions of the Bar, barriers to access for people from minority backgrounds, and steps the Bar is taking to improve access, equality and diversity.

Eugene Deering BL argues that the “insight” clause in 2021 Personal Injury Guidelines, reducing awards for plaintiffs suffering traumatic brain injuries, is a cause for concern.

Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 3.

What are the three types of temporary release from prison? How has recent case law impacted on this area?

Miranda Egan Langley BL explores all this and more in this episode based on her contribution to a recent issue of The Bar Review.

Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 3.

Eoin Clifford SC speaks on how he came to practice in the wide-reaching area of tax law, recent developments in the domain, and the upcoming inaugural Tax Bar Association Conference.

The Tax Bar Association Conference takes place on Saturday 8th October in Dublin, featuring talks from top practitioners in the area and members of the Judiciary. Register here.

How does new regulation impact on Crowdfunding platforms? Brendan Guildea BL explores the the 2020 EU Crowdfunding Regulation and Statutory Instrument 702/2021.

Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 3. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews

View Brendan’s interview with TRASTRA here. 

On the occassion of his retirement, The Hon. Mr Justice Kevin Cross speaks to David Nolan SC, reflecting on a 36 year career at the Bar, his time at the Bench, and some of the personalities & experiences of his distinguished career.

This podcast was originally recorded in June 2021.

Music: Blank Slate – VYEN

What can we do to make the Bar more accessible?

In our latest podcast in collaboration with disAbility Legal Network, Aoife McNickle BL and Silvia-Maria Crowley BL were joined by our colleagues from across the sea, Faisel Sadiq of Gatehouse Chambers and Mark Henderson of Doughty Street Chambers, to discuss what we can learn from our neighbouring jurisdiction on disability inclusion. What followed was an enlightening conversation on individual experiences, disclosure, and how barriers can be removed.

We caught up with artist Emma Stroude in her studio in Sligo. Emma is embarking on the 2022 In Plain Sight commission of Frances Kyle and Averil Deverell, who were the first women to be called to the Irish Bar in 1921.

In Plain Sight is a joint initiative between The Bar of Ireland and The Honorable Society of King’s Inns to increase representation of women in the law through portraiture. Learn more and contribute at lawlibrary.ie/inplainsight

Intro Music: Please – Wayne Jones

Courage is the theme of Pride 2022.

In this informal, free-flowing discussion, Sean O’Sullivan BL, OutLaw Network, Aoife McNickle BL, Chair of our Equality & Resilience Committee, and our colleague Amy Walsh BL discuss what it means to be LGBTQ+ at the Bar. And how any and all of us – including The Bar – can play a role.

Intro Music: Tropic Fuse – French Fuse

This is an audio version of a fantastic hybrid seminar on the legal protections being proposed in respect of the Native Irish Honey Bee, held at The Bar of Ireland.

As this podcast was recorded across Zoom as well as in person, the sound quality is less than optimum, but the value of the contributions and discussion no less.

What are the accessibility barriers for people with disabilities in the legal profession?

This discussion, originally recorded in December 2021, aims to enhance awareness about disabilities and to promote diversity and inclusion within the profession.

Hosted by Aoife McNickle BL, chair of the Equality and Resilience Committee, the panel consists of: Silvia-Maria Crowley BL; Caoimhe Grogan, Trainee solicitor at A&L Goodbody LLP and Vice-chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Disability Legal Network; Matt McCann, CEO and Co-founder of Access Earth and Aisling Glynn, Solicitor, McMahon & Williams Solicitors.

Over the last few decades, the intersection of law and sports has evolved into its own discipline. What does it involve?

In this episode of our In Focus series, Susan Ahern BL, Chair of the Sports Law Bar Association outlines this area of practice, and gives a fascinating insight into the top issues in sports litigation today.

As part of The Bar of Ireland Podcasts In Focus Series, Lauren Tennyson BL joins this week’s episode to talk about the latest developments in Employment Law, her journey to the Bar, and the work of the Employment Bar Association. Hosted by Ali Bracken Ziad BL.