Members from other jurisdiction

All applicants must have taken the call to the Irish Bar.

Please see Qualifying as a Barrister for further information.

Applications for 2021 are now open.

Click here for application.

The application process is open from 1st April to 30th June. Outside of these dates there is a late application process, please email memberservices@lawlibrary.ie for an application form . See below for the rules governing Late Applications.

Please return completed applications to:

memberservices@lawlibrary.ie

Information Pack:

Applicants must complete the application form in full and with the required attachments and submit same before the closing date 30^th June (after such date a late application fee will apply):

All applicants must attach:

An application processing fee of €150 via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) bank details provided in the Application Form

A recent passport photograph
A Certificate of Good Standing
A Practicing Certificate
Copy of Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate*
Copy of confirmation of Registration on Roll of Practising Barristers with Legal Services Regulatory Authority. See Roll of Practising Barristers Information - Legal Services Regulatory Authority

*Note LSRA Regulation S.I. Number 572, this provides that barristers practising in Ireland (including those based in Other Jurisdictions and working in Ireland intermittently) must now purchase professional indemnity insurance from an insurer “…licensed and authorised to transact business in Ireland” (Part IV paragraph 9). http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2019/si/572/made/en/print The insurer must also meet the minimum financial strength rating.

LSRA HAS FORMALLY APPROVED THE BAR OF IRELAND GROUP SCHEME OF PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE (PII)

Acceptance

In August, applicants will be issued with an Acceptance Letter containing:

Details of Law Library subscription rates

Junior Subscription €3,185 (based on 2020/21 subscriptions)
Senior Subscription €8,515 (based on 2020/21 subscriptions)

Information on the Law Library Orientation Day which takes place during the week prior to the start of term will be sent via email. Orientation covers the practicalities of Law Library membership plus information and pointers on personal and professional development of benefit to you as you progress through your career as a barrister. It is not compulsory to attend orientation.

Late Applications for applicants from other Jurisdictions:

Applications received between 30th June and 31st August, are subject to a late application fee of €800 (non-refundable).

Applications received after 31st August, are subject to a late application fee of €1,000 (non-refundable).

Acceptance of late applications are at the complete discretion of the Library Committee and there is no guarantee that applications received after 30th June in the applicable year will be accepted in to the Law Library.

During the Late Application period, applicants must contact The Bar of Ireland Member Services Department for an application form.

If you have any questions please email memberservices@lawlibrary.ie.

Do we have to pay in full, in advance of commencing membership?

All fees must be paid in full 10 working days before the start of the Michaelmas term. From second year membership onwards you can make instalment arrangements, for payment options in susequent year please contact member.accounts@lawlibrary.ie.

How much will membership cost ?

An acceptance letter will issue in early August and the full cost will be notified in this letter. The €150 application fee already paid is deducted from the total payable.

Is it the same procedure if I don’t come down this year?

Should you apply and not enter, you must re-apply in your chosen year of entry. The application fee is not transferable and not refundable.

How can I pay the application fee?

You can pay the application fee by EFT. EFT details are on the application form. You must include your name as a reference when making payment. You must provide confirmation of your EFT payment when submitting your application form.

5. Is the photograph submitted with the application used for the website?

Yes, it can be, if a prrofessional digital photograph is supplied 640px wide X 960px high.

6. How many years can I wait after being called to the Irish Bar before I join the Law Library?

Currently there is no time limit.

7. Can I commence practice without Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)?

No, you cannot proceed with membership of the Law Library without Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) in place. You must submit your PII confirmation no later than 10 days before the commencement of Michaelmas term. Your application process is not complete until we are in receipt of same and you will not be permitted to commence membership without PII in place.

8. Can I proceed with membership without Registering with the LSRA?

No, you cannot proceed with membership of the Law Library without registering with the LSRA. If you have already been called to the Irish Bar, then you can and are encouraged to register with the LSRA in advance of submitting your application. Note you must initially register as a non-member and subsequently amend your status when membership commences.

A copy of your LSRA registration letter must be submitted no later than 10 days before the commencement of Michaelmas term. You must wait to be called to the Irish Bar before you can register with the LSRA.

If you are awaiting a late call to the Bar and cannot submit confirmation of your registration 10 days before the commencement of Michaelmas term, you must notify the Member Services Team at memberservices@lawlibrary.ie that you are awaiting a late call.

Your application process is not complete until we are in receipt of your registration confirmation and you will not be permitted to commence membership without LSRA registration in place.

Once you commence membership of the Law Library, an LSRA amendment form will be supplied to allow you to notify the LSRA of your new Law Library membership status.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here please email memberservices@lawlibrary.ie and we will be happy to answer same and add to our FAQ’s – if there is information that you feel is unclear, please let us know. Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you to membership

Members from other jurisdiction

Membership