Justice minister Helen McEntee has reminded all eligible solicitors and barristers that the application process for senior counsel for 2021 will remain open until 5 February.

Applications are examined on the grant of patents of precedence by an advisory committee established under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, and chaired by the Chief Justice.

Successful applicants will thereafter be entitled to use the title of senior counsel. 

Minister McEntee said yesterday (11 January): “The title of senior counsel is a prestigious one. It denotes a level of expertise in your chosen profession of solicitor or barrister. 

“I want to encourage all those who are eligible to apply to do so. In particular, I want to see more applications from our highly qualified female solicitors and barristers, and from people from diverse backgrounds. We must all work together to improve diversity across the legal system.”

Patent of precedence 

Last June, applications for recommendations for a grant of a patent of precedence opened for the first time.

Minister McEntee commented: “While it was encouraging to see a good proportion of applications coming from both legal professions, there was a stark gender imbalance in applications received. Just 23% of solicitor applications and 31% of barrister applications were from women.

Diverse judiciary

“Senior counsel are also, of course, our future judicial candidates. It is vitally important that we have a diverse judiciary that reflects the modern and inclusive society that Ireland is today. So, if you are thinking of applying, my advice to you is to go for it.” 

Applications will be accepted up to 5pm on 5 February 2021.