Twenty-Six Barristers Called to the Inner Bar in Supreme Court Ceremony

Twenty-six barristers have been formally called to the Inner Bar in ceremonies held at the Supreme Court today and yesterday.

The call to the Inner Bar, commonly referred to as “Taking Silk”, marks the transition from Junior Counsel to Senior Counsel, a distinction that recognises barristers of exceptional ability, integrity, and expertise across a wide range of legal disciplines.

The newly appointed Senior Counsel bring with them experience across both criminal and civil law, reflecting the breadth of talent within The Bar of Ireland. Their appointment underscores the continued importance of advocacy in protecting the rule of law, advancing access to justice, and serving the public interest.

Senior Counsel, often identified by their silk robes, are entrusted with more complex and high-profile cases, demonstrating mastery in specialised areas such as criminal or civil law.

The cohort of newly appointed Senior Counsel hail from: Dublin, Leitrim, Wicklow, Clare, Mayo, Cork, Tipperary, Louth, Galway, Donegal, Waterford, Wexford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Fermanagh.

Following today, there will be now 399 Senior Counsel at The Bar of Ireland, of which 21% are female. The Bar continues to support and promote the Inner Bar as a viable career route and progression for female colleagues as well as support the continuing development of our all our members through extensive work on our professional and training programmes.

Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, Seán Guerin SC said:

The call to the Inner Bar, or ‘taking silk’, is the highest honour available to practising barristers and remains the traditional mark of excellence in advocacy at The Bar. Their achievement is a public testament to their abilities in the provision of advocacy and legal advice of the very highest standard, in keeping with the traditions of independence and excellence at the Bar of Ireland. We congratulate them warmly on their new status and wish them well in the next stage of their careers.

Those Called to the Inner Bar, from the membership of The Bar of Ireland, are: