First time applicants

 

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

From 2021, you must pay a portion of the overall entrance fee and annual subscription, 10 working days before the start of the Michaelmas term, currently designated at €500, in the Rules of Membership.  

 

2. How much will membership cost?

In 2020/21 the cost was €1,500 entry fee and €1,900 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. From October 2021, this cost is met by your Master.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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. 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 from the approved master list. 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.

 

6. 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.

 

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

It can be if a professional digital photograph is supplied 640px wide X 960px high. Note: The Bar of Ireland will endeavour to arrange a professional photographer session prior to commencement of your membership.

 

8. 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.

 

9. Can I skip the Pre-Admission Interview?

No.  For 2021-22, the Pre-Admission interviews may take place online through Microsoft Teams, you will be notified in advance.

 

10. What do I wear to the Pre-Admission Interview?

We recommend that you dress professionally as this is your representation of your professional persona to the Library Committee panel of interviewees.

 

11. How long does the Pre-Admission Interview last?

You will be allotted a time slot of not more than 10 minutes and notified in advance.

 

12. 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 likely that a large element of the programme will be run online, this will be notified to you in advance. Orientation 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. If you have submitted an application to join the Law Library you can attend Orientation regardless of Call date or exam results date.  

 

13. Can I proceed with membership 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.

 

14. Can I proceed with membership without Registering on the Roll of Practising Barristers?

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.

 

15. I cannot register on the Roll of Practising Barristers until after my call to the Irish Bar and I am in the late call in Michaelmas term?

Your application process remains incomplete until we are in receipt of confirmation of your registration on the Roll of Practising Barristers and you will not be permitted to commence practice until after the late call and after you have submitted confirmation of  your registration on the Roll of Practising Barristers.

 

 

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