BARRISTERS’ chambers do not exist in Northern Ireland. Instead, more than 500 barristers work out of a central Bar Library in Belfast.
There are only 25 pupillages on offer each year so the Bar has developed a highly refined method of picking its would-be barristers. As well as having a qualifying law degree, students must also sit an exam testing their ability in legal reasoning. Both results are used to select the top candidates from the hundreds of entries received. From the resulting order of merit 25 people are offered admission to begin training.
After a year’s study at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, administered under the auspices of The Queen’s University of Belfast, aspiring barristers must secure pupillage with a senior barrister. Pupils are not permitted to take work on their own behalf until six months of their pupillage has passed.
With no clerk or chambers system, work is passed to barristers by solicitors or other barristers wishing to lighten their workload. While many young barristers at the Northern Irish Bar acknowledge that “connections” are helpful, it is legal skill that secures a long-term position at the Bar. It cannot be ignored, however, that financial hardship is an increasing reality during the early stages of life at the Northern Irish Bar. While some assistance towards the fees during the academic stage of qualification may be available, self-funding is the norm for most budding barristers.
The news is not all bad, however. One significant advantage to the library system is the collegiate atmosphere. It allows young barristers to seek advice from others within the library who may be experts in their field. Of greater importance is that young barristers do not have to specialise but can gain experience in any number of sectors before concentrating on a particular area of law.
Advertisement
Competition for the 25 places each year is fierce — there are several hundred applications submitted. While the library system has its merits, the promise of financial assistance held out by many chambers in England will continue to draw some of the brightest candidates.
The author is a postgraduate student at University College, Dublin