Specialist Bar Associations

Specialist Bar Associations are dedicated to the interests of barristers within specific areas of legal practice. Bar Associations help to promote their members’ interests in campaigning for reform in procedures or regulations, delivering training or supporting members through networking events and mentoring schemes.

Commercial Bar Association

The Commercial Bar is an association for practitioners who specialise in a variety of disputes including construction, banking, insurance, sale of goods, shipping and professional negligence. Practitioners can be involved in cases ranging from High court commercial work to dispute resolution in the County Court, arbitration, adjudication and mediation.

Criminal Bar Association

The Criminal Bar Association represents the interests of barristers practicing in criminal law including prosecution, defence and appeal work in the Magistrates Court, the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. The Criminal Bar Association consults with various government agencies, organises conferences concerning areas of interest and holds CPD training events.

Employment Lawyers Group

The Employment Lawyers Group is an informal association comprising of over 100 barristers and solicitors who practice in employment law in Northern Ireland, who represent applicants and employers and those from professional organisations such as the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Family Bar Association

The Family Bar Association is a large association of practitioners who practice in family law, from public and private children proceedings, to divorce and ancillary relief. Practice in this area ranges from High Court and County Court family law, to proceedings in the Family Proceedings Court and Domestic Proceedings Court, including family mediation work.

Personal Injury Bar Association

The Personal Injury Bar Association is an association for all Barristers who are interested in or practice in the area of personal injury work. The work of personal injury practitioners ranges from the High Court to the County Court and the Association looks at issues from both the defence and plaintiff perspectives.

Young Bar Association

The Young Bar Association is for all members under 7 years call and which promotes the interests of the Young Bar and ensures the views of younger practitioners are represented. The Young Bar Association organises CPD lectures and social events throughout the year.

The Immigration Bar Association

The Immigration Bar Association is a small dedicated group which represents the interests of barristers practising in Immigration and Asylum law. This work covers both the First Tier and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

The Public Law Bar Association

The Public Law Bar Association (PLBA) is a professional association of barristers practicing in the area of public law including judicial review, inquests and inquiries. The PLBA aims to provide support to those working in this area (including those who wish to do so) by representing their interests and through the provision of educational and social events, including lectures and seminars.