Barrister
- Regulators
-
- General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland
- Nations
-
- Northern Ireland
- Sectors
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- Law
Regulatory or professional bodies
Primary regulator
- Regulatory authority
- General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland
- Address
-
91 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JQ - Website
- https://www.barofni.com
- 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
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.
- More about qualification
- https://www.barofni.com/page/becoming-a-barrister
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.
- More about recognition within the UK
- http://8da83b9a42b897a6e547-90d4bc95ae83ef97ce4f6043f42500ae.r6.cf3.rackcdn.com/VERSION_3.0_Admission_Rules_Effective_October_2016.pdf
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.
- More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
- http://8da83b9a42b897a6e547-90d4bc95ae83ef97ce4f6043f42500ae.r6.cf3.rackcdn.com/VERSION_3.0_Admission_Rules_Effective_October_2016.pdf
Legislation
- Title of relevant act or charter
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Government of Ireland Act 1920
- Website link to legislation
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1920/67/pdfs/ukpga_19200067_en.pdf