Charity & Fundraising
The Bar of Northern Ireland
Enabling access to justice for over 100 years
The Bar of Northern Ireland enables citizens to access justice through expert legal representation. The Bar Council (an elected body of the wider membership) represents barristers, upholds professional standards, and advocates for the effective and efficient administration of justice.
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Navigating Legal Services
The Bar of Northern Ireland is an independent referral bar and so a barrister must take on any case provided that it is within their competence, they are available and appropriately remunerated.
Expert advocacy, legal advice, and dispute resolution
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Professional Representation
The Bar of Northern Ireland is the representative body for barristers working across the jurisdiction.
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Standards and Values
The Bar of Northern Ireland demonstrates proactive, responsible and trusted regulation of the profession.
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Support for Members
We support barristers through their pupillage, and provide guidance, training and professional development throughout their career journeys.
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A Proud Vision for Justice
We promote fair and equal access to justice and uphold the rule of law through our policy development and public affairs work.
Becoming a Barrister
A career as a barrister in Northern Ireland offers a distinctive blend of intellectual challenge, public service, and independent practice. The pathway is structured and rigorous, combining academic study, professional training, and supervised practice.Â
A Career as a Barrister
An overview of life in the law
Barrister Career Journeys
Stages of a barrister's career
Scholarships & Funding
Support for aspiring barristers in Northern Ireland
Pupilage & Mentoring
The bridge between study & practice
Latest from the Bar
Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and new resources from the Bar Library.
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Justice & Human RightsCriminal Barristers Vote to End Crown Court Withdrawal of Services
Appointments & RecognitionAll-Party Group Calls for JoinedâUp Solutions in Family Justice
Appointments & RecognitionAppointment of Lay Members to the Bar Complaints Committee
Visiting the Bar Library
Based in Belfastâs Royal Courts of Justice, the Bar Library is a working hub and managed workspace for Northern Irelandâs barristers. Consultation rooms are available to book, providing a modern, comfortable space for counsel to meet with solicitor colleagues and clients. Consultations are scheduled around court commitments and therefore it is not possible for barristers to meet with clients at the Bar Library on a drop in basis.
The Bar Library
91 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JQ
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm
