Apply to join the Law Library

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

Please see Qualifying as a Barrister for further information.

Applications for 2017 are now closed. Please contact Member Services for a Late Application.

The application process is open from 1st April to 30th June each year (or closest working day). All applications must be received in The Bar of Ireland office by the closing date. See below for the rules governing Late Applications.

Please return completed applications to:

Members Services
The Bar of Ireland
Distillery Building
145 - 151 Church Street
Dublin 7

Information Pack:

Additionally, an up-to-date List of Available Masters may be downloaded here (as of 12/07/17).

Applicants must complete the application form in full and with the required attachments and submit same before the closing date 30^th June:

All applicants must attach:

An application processing fee of €150 made payable to the Law Library (cheque, postal order, bank draft)
A recent passport photograph

Copy of Professional Indemnity Insurance certificate. For information AON provides insurance broking and related financial service to The Bar of Ireland and can be contacted at 01-817 5016 or email Georgina at georgina.couling@aon.ie – NOTE: Should we not be in receipt of a copy of your PII certificate 10 days before the start of Michaelmas term, 15^th September 2017, any prospective new member will not be permitted to commence membership. Please click here for PII insurance form.
A copy of your career break and undertaking, if applicable.

Where applicable applicants who are members of another bar and or have practiced in another jurisdiction must also attach:

A Certificate of Good Standing
A Practicing Certificate
Copy of Professional Indemnity Insurance Certificate

Pre-Admission Interview

All applicants must attend a mandatory Pre-Admission Interview with a member of the Library Committee. (The Library Committee is a permanent committee of The Bar of Ireland whose functions include dealing with all matters relating to admission to the Law Library and membership thereof).

We encourage all applicants to submit applications as early as possible. The earlier the application is returned, the earlier the Pre-Admission Interview will take place.

Pre-Admission Interviews are scheduled to take place from 5^th July to 11th July 2017.

Acceptance

In August, following the pre-admission interviews, applicants will be issued with an Acceptance Letter containing:

Details of Law Library subscription rates
- Subscription rates are set in June each year following approval of the budget for the new legal year by The Bar of Ireland. In 2016/17, 1st year members paid the standard Law Library entry fee (payable in year one only) of €1,500 plus membership subscriptions of €1,480.

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 compulsory to attend orientation.

Late Applications

Applications received after 30th June will be treated as Late Applications. All late applications, are subject to a late application fee of €800.

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 in the next legal year.

As is the case for all applicants, late applicants must have a Master and must attend the Pre-Admission Interview with a member of the Library Committee.

Under no circumstances will late applications be accepted beyond 31st August.

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

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

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

How much will membership cost in the first year?

In 2016/17 the cost was €1,500 entry fee and €1,480 subscriptions (Note: This may be amended when budgets are set in late June). 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.

How can I pay the application fee?

You can pay the application fee by cheque, bank draft or postal order, all made payable to the Law Library.

Can I send in my application if I don’t have a master?

You can send an incomplete application if you don’t have a master, but you must continue to arrange a master. The Bar of Ireland is not responsible for this. You must let The Bar of Ireland know as soon as you find a master. You will not be permitted to commence membership without a master.

We would advise that Master/Pupil relationship is vital for establishing your practice at the Bar and we recommend where there is indecision or difficulty it is better to wait and get this relationship right.

Can I send in my application if I have to repeat exams?

You must submit your application before the closing date of 30^th June regardless of exam results. The application fee of €150 is non-refundable.

How many photographs are required and do I need to sign the back of them?

We require one photograph only and you do not have to sign the back.

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

No. A professional photographer will be on-site on the morning of your Pre-Admission interview to take your photograph for the website. We ask that you arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time to accommodate this.

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.

Can I skip the Pre-Admission Interview?

No. We can facilitate a Pre-Admission telephone call but this is not ideal and should be avoided where possible.

What do I wear to the Pre-Admission Interview?

As we provide a photographer on the morning of your Pre-Admission interview we recommend that you dress accordingly as this is your website photograph and the initial representation of your professional persona.

How long does the Pre-Admission Interview last?

We recommend you give yourself 2 hours to facilitate process, there is a general introduction, followed by individual meetings. We expect it to last no more than an hour but this is your opportunity to raise any questions you may have with your new colleagues; we suggest you are not rushed.

Can I miss the Orientation day in September and still commence practice?

We strongly recommend you attend the orientation day for your benefit. It is a comprehensive introduction to allow new members to hit the ground running. It can therefore be a hindrance in your first weeks to have missed orientation.

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

As with payment you must submit your PII 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 practice without PII in place.

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.

Apply to join the Law Library

Pre-Admission Interview

Acceptance

Late Applications

Membership