Becoming a Barrister

Entry to the Bar of Northern Ireland is traditionally based on merit and is highly selective - only the best succeed.

How do I become a Barrister?

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:

Northern Ireland

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.

The Benchers have produced guidelines to Students of the Inn of Court on Engaging in any Other Occupation.

Temporary Call

Rule 20 Temporary Membership

Schedule 4A Rule 20: MEMORIAL, DECLARATION AND UNDERTAKING FOR TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP OF THE INN OF COURT OF NORTHERN IRELAND AND OF THE BAR OF NORTHERN IRELAND

Application Form - Temporary Membership

Temporary Call Pro Forma Letter

Temporary Practising Certificate Pro Forma Letter

Application Form - Temporary Practising Certificate

Payment Advice

If you require further information please contact lisa.mayes@barofni.org or call 02890562055

Discretionary and Resuming Practice Committee

If you require further information please contact lisa.mayes@barofni.org or call 02890562055

2023 Exemption Applications

The Bar Council is offering three more windows of opportunity to apply for exemption in 2023. The opportunity is as follows:

• Application process opens Monday 17 October 2022 with deadline for return of Friday 4 November 2022, guaranteeing decision by 1 January 2023.

• Application process opens Monday 6 March 2023 with deadline for return of Wednesday 22 March 2023, guaranteeing decision by 7 April 2023.

• Application process opens Monday 14 August 2023 with deadline for return of Friday 1 September 2023, guaranteeing decision by 29 September 2022.

No new applications to be considered until the opening of the cycle in mid-October 2023 for the following exemption year in 2024.

Please contact Donal Hannaway for more information relating to both Exemption and Membership.