Code of Conduct

The Bar Council serves the public interest in regulating all practising barristers in Northern Ireland through the Professional Conduct Committee. We aim to promote the highest standards of practice and to safeguard clients and the public interest.

The Professional Conduct Committee is responsible for:

• Setting the standard of conduct for barristers through the Bar Code of Conduct
• Investigating complaints against barristers and taking disciplinary or other action where appropriate
• Circulating update advice and guidance to barristers
• Monitoring the service provided by barristers to maintain quality.

The Professional Conduct Committee includes experienced practitioners across a range of legal specialities and two lay representatives, Members of the Committee are:-

David Russell KC - Chair

Liam McCollum KC - Vice Chair

JonPaul Shields BL

Ronan Daly BL

Julie Ellison BL

Suzanne Simpson KC

Richard Coghlin KC

Hugh MacMahon BL

Louise Maguire BL

Roger Dowd BL

Mel Power KC

Leona McEvoy BL

Jacquie White (Lay Rep.)

Alison Millar (Lay Rep.)

Every barrister called to the Bar of Northern Ireland is subject to the Code of Conduct of the Bar of Northern Ireland. The Code of Conduct sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice required of barristers in this jurisdiction.

Please click here to read the Code of Conduct. Barristers also act in accordance with the standards set out in the Department of Justice’s Victim Charter and the guidelines contained in the Public Prosecution Service’s Code for Prosecutors