The Bar of Ireland is the representative body for the barristers' profession in Ireland and is governed by the Constitution of The Bar of Ireland. Its role is:
to consider, report upon and make representations as it considers necessary in all matters affecting the profession;
to play a key role in the conduct and arrangement of the business of the profession;
to control and regulate the professional conduct of the members of the Bar; and,
to secure and protect the interests of the profession.
Barristers:
Barristers provide specialist advocacy and advisory services in a wide variety of areas and in many different types of forum, including the courtroom, and in other dispute resolution forums such as arbitration and mediation. Barristers are trained to be both independent and objective. They are readily accessible and are typically instructed by a solicitor.
Barristers do not provide the normal administrative services which a solicitor would provide. There is a strong relationship of trust and respect between the Bar and the solicitors' profession based on the experience that each has for the high standards of the other.
This traditional relationship allows barristers and solicitors to give their client the very highest standards of advice and representation. It also enables the justice system and the courts to have trust in the standards observed by the members of the legal profession appearing before them.
The Bar of Ireland's "Look into Law" Transition Year Programme is an exciting initiative aimed at increasing students' awareness of the work of The Bar of Ireland and to encourage students to consider a career as a barrister. This annual "Access all areas" programme aims to encourage schools and students from a wide cross-section of society to apply to take part.
Full details on the Look Into Law Programme can be found here.