The patents of precedence ceremony for all new senior counsel will take place on a remote basis this year, in line with public-health guidelines.

For the first time ever, 17 solicitors will receive their patents of precedence during a virtual ceremony on Friday 9 October.

Preside

The Chief Justice Frank Clarke will preside over the patents of precedence ceremony. Solicitors will be called on a staggered basis, from 10.15am until 3.30pm.

The patent itself will be delivered to each recipient after the ceremonies have concluded.

The planned call to the Inner Bar for barristers who have been designated senior counsel will take place on Wednesday 7 October – again on a remote basis. Those who have been granted patents of precedence by the Government will be called to the Inner Bar by the Chief Justice.

At the invitation of the Chief Justice Frank Clarke, Michele O’Boyle, President of the Law Society, will be in attendance at the ceremonies.

In ordinary circumstances, the presentation ceremony takes place in the Supreme Court, with family and friends in attendance.

However, solicitors’ guests will be able to view the online presentation ceremony, subject to a maximum of 20 devices logging in for each ceremony. Solicitors will not be required to robe, but are requested to wear business attire.

Ceremony of welcome

When it is considered safe and appropriate to do so, the Chief Justice intends to organise a ceremony of welcome for all those who have been granted patents of precedence under the current limitations.

The solicitors who are to receive patents of precedence are:

• Eamonn Conlon,
• Paul Egan,
• Patrick Groarke,
• Richard Hammond,
• Bill Holohan,
• Aine Hynes,
• Liam Kennedy,
• Rory Kirrane,
• Cormac Little,
• James MacGuill,
• Roger Murray,
• Helen Noble,
• Bernard O’Connor,
• Dr Vincent Power,
• Dara Robinson,
• Michael Staines,
• Damien MP Tansey.