The Joint Council Meeting of the Bar of Ireland and the Bar of Northern Ireland

5

The Bar Councils of Ireland and Northern Ireland met in formal session on Friday the 19^th June, 2015  – only the third time such a session has taken place in 90 years.

Both Bar Councils meet separately once a month to determine policy, discipline and other topical issues that arise through the Bars’ interaction with outside bodies. Judges and barristers from both jurisdictions attended the joint meeting in King’s Inn, Dublin on Friday 19^th June.

Continued co-operation and liaison was welcomed by the Chairmen of the two Bar Councils: David Barniville SC and Gerry McAlinden QC. 

Bar Council of Ireland Chairman, David Barniville SC commented – “Today’s meeting represents a further important step on the road to enhanced cooperation between our two Councils. Today’s meeting offers an opportunity to explore shared areas of expertise and best practice.” 

Gerry McAlinden QC, Chairman of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland echoed this sentiment – “The dialogue between the Bar Councils of Ireland and Northern Ireland has flourished in recent years. The possibilities offered by cooperation for mutual benefit are considerable.” 

Among the topics discussed at the meeting were: 

• Membership Demographics and Trends
• Regulation of the Profession
• Access to Justice through Legal Aid Schemes
• Role of the Bar in Pro-Bono work