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Barrister

Regulators
  • General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland
Nations
  • Northern Ireland
Sectors
  • Law

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Address

91 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JQ

Phone number
+44 (0)28 9024 1523

Regulation

Regulation summary

The Government of Ireland Act 1920 established a separate Supreme Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland and gave recognition to the creation of a separate Bar of Northern Ireland. Subsequent to a meeting held on the 26 October 1921, the first General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland was elected.

The Constitution and Bye-laws of the Honorable Society of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland provides the governing rules of the profession, defines the various governing bodies and their associated powers and functions.

Regulation type

Licence

Reserved activities

E&W: As defined in s12 of Legal Services Act 2007: a) the exercise of a right of audience, b) the conduct of litigation, c) reserved instrument activities, d) probate activities, e) notarial activities, f) the administration of oaths. Northern Ireland: none

Protected titles

Barrister at Law
Queen's Counsel

More about regulated activities and titles
https://www.barofni.com/page/constitution

Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

The path to becoming a barrister in Northern Ireland will differ depending on where you study, qualify and complete your pupillage training. There are different pathways for those who have trained as barristers in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or England and Wales. A different procedure exists for solicitors who wish to re-qualify as barristers or those who wish to transfer from European jurisdictions. In general, the following steps apply:

1. Complete a qualifying law degree.

2. Complete the Bar Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast (IPLS).

3. Call to the Bar of Northern Ireland and complete a 12 month pupillage.

For further information please contact the Clerk to the Under Treasurer of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland on 028 9056 2349.

Professionals from other UK nations

Routes to recognition within the UK

The path to becoming a barrister in Northern Ireland will differ depending on where you study, qualify and complete your pupillage training. There are different pathways for those who have trained as barristers in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or England and Wales. A different procedure exists for solicitors who wish to re-qualify as barristers or those who wish to transfer from European jurisdictions.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
Some - qualifications from some countries may be recognised, but professionals from other countries will have to re-qualify
Summary of routes

The path to becoming a barrister in Northern Ireland will differ depending on where you study, qualify and complete your pupillage training. There are different pathways for those who have trained as barristers in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or England and Wales. A different procedure exists for solicitors who wish to re-qualify as barristers or those who wish to transfer from European jurisdictions.


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

Government of Ireland Act 1920

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.