The Bar of Ireland was delighted to host the leadership of the ‘Four Jurisdictions’. This arises as part of a regular engagement with Bars in Northern Ireland, The Bar Council of England and Wales, and the Faculty of Advocates.
Agenda topics for the working-visit included the independence of counsel, experiences of reforms and funding of respective legal aid systems, as well as priorities such as diversity, regulation and the promotion of the profession.
The meeting comes in advance of a forthcoming Four Jurisdictions Conference in Belfast, which will bring together practitioners from respective Bars. Further details here
Speaking following the engagement, Chair of The Bar of Ireland, Sara Phelan SC said:
These engagements continue to strengthen the valuable relationship between our legal and judicial systems. The Bars face comparable challenges in the face of internationalisation of legal services, regulation, political developments and technology.
The Four Bars reassert the importance and role of independent counsel to the rule of law and functioning democracy
Pictured: Moira Smyth KC & David Mulholland (Bar of Northern Ireland), Roddy Dunlop KC & Richard Masters (Faculty of Advocates, Scotland), Nick Vineall KC & Malcom McCree (Bar Council England & Wales), Sara Phelan SC & Ciara Murphy (Bar of Ireland)