Stage 2: Bar Complaints Committee

The Bar Complaints Committee. Notice of Consultation on Rules

Background

Barristers provide an important service to the public. The profession must therefore be regulated effectively, and mechanisms must exist for complaints to be raised if the quality of service provided by a barrister falls short of the standard required.

Following recommendations made by the Legal Services Review Group chaired by Professor Sir George Bain, the Bar Complaints Committee was established under the Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern
Ireland) 2016.

The objective of the Committee is to investigate, consider and determine unresolved complaints made in relation to the quality of professional services that, as part of an agreed set of instructions, were provided by a barrister practising in Northern Ireland.

In order to be eligible, these complaints must have been submitted on time and the complaint must have first been considered by the Bar Council’s service complaints resolution procedure.

The Committee is made up of both lay and legal members and has an overall lay majority.

Section 27 of the Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 requires the Committee to publish for consultation a draft of the proposed rules that it will operate under.

Comments are therefore invited on these draft rules.

Prior to commenting it may be advisable to refer to the Act as this has helped inform the draft rules.

Any replies, comments or representations made will be given consideration by the Committee. Before finalising the rules, the Committee will also consult with the Legal Services Oversight Commissioner. The rules will be published once they are finalised and will then come into effect.

Written submissions and comment upon the rules are invited by close of business on Friday 3rd October 2025 from interested parties including members of the
legal profession.

By email to support@bccni.co.uk

By post to Bar Complaints Committee c/o The Bar Council Office

The Bar Library

91 Chichester Street

Belfast, BT1 3JQ