MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY
Law Terms 2015-2016
2015/2016
Michaelmas 2015: 5th October – 21st December
Hilary 2016: 11th January – 18th March
Easter 2016: 4th April – 12th May
Trinity 2016: 25th May – 29th July
2016/2017
Michaelmas 2016: 3rd October – 21st December
Hilary 2017: 11th January – 7th April
Easter 2017: 24th April – 1st June
Trinity 2017: 14th June – 31st July
Michaelmas 2017: 2nd October – 21st December
THE BAR OF IRELAND STRUCTURE
COMMUNICATIONS AND IT
LIBRARY
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES AND FACILITIES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
PRO BONO AT THE BAR
SOCIAL AND DINING
Mission statement
“To provide leadership and representation on behalf of members of the independent Bar of Ireland, ensure the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct within the profession and to deliver valued and quality services for the benefit of members.”
THE BAR OF IRELAND STRUCTURE
The Bar of Ireland structure
Council of The Bar of Ireland
Council governs The Bar of Ireland, which is the representative body for the profession in Ireland.
Its role is:
n to consider, report upon and make representations as it considers necessary in all matters affecting the profession;
n to play a key role in the conduct and arrangement of the business of the profession;
n to control and regulate the professional conduct of the members of The Bar of Ireland; and,
n to secure and protect the interests of the profession.
Council members
The members of Council are elected annually. It consists of 10 practitioners from the Inner Bar, 10 practitioners from the Outer Bar and four co-optees. A chairperson is elected for a two-year term.
The business of Council is conducted through a number of committees, including the following permanent committees:
The Bar of Ireland committees Standing Committee
The Standing Committee is comprised of the four officers (Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Director General) and the chairman of each of the permanent committees. The Standing Committee acts in the name of Council between Council meetings and meets weekly in term. It ensures that matters decided by Council are implemented by the various committees or by the Secretariat. It reviews and approves the agenda for Council meetings.
Library Committee
The Library Committee deals with matters relating to admission to The Bar of Ireland, membership thereof, the services to members, and the maintenance and development of the Law Library and other properties of The Bar of Ireland.
Council of The Bar of Ireland
The Bar of Ireland structure
Professional Services Committee
The Professional Services Committee deals with matters relating to the acquisition and maintenance of materials, whether in book or electronic form, within the Library and Research Centre. It also has responsibility for the development of information technology in The Bar of Ireland..
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee deals with matters relating to the finances of The Bar of Ireland and its associate companies.
Professional Practices Committee
The Professional Practices Committee is responsible for rulings, etiquette and complaints by one barrister against another. The Committee has no adjudication powers in respect of complaints. The Committee can be a complainant to the Barristers' Professional Conduct Tribunal on its own initiative.
External Relations Committee
The External Relations Committee has the function of fostering external relations and communications between The Bar of Ireland and all outside bodies with which it has contact.
Internal Relations Committee
The Internal Relations Committee is responsible for masters and pupils, continuing professional development, relations with Circuits, specialist groups, clubs and societies, and internal communications with members.
Please refer to www.lawlibrary.ie for current membership of the above committees.
The Constitution of The Bar of Ireland, the Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Code and the Rules of Membership are available on www.lawlibrary.ie.
The Bar of Ireland structure
Staff list –September 2015
Director's Office
Director
Ciara Murphy ciara.murphy@lawlibrary.ie
Assistant to the Director
Rose Fisher rfisher@lawlibrary.ie
Human Resources
HR and Organisational Development Manager
Maria Kelly mkelly@lawlibrary.ie
Administrator
Michelle Smithmsmith@lawlibrary.ie
Communications and Policy Department
Director of Communications and Policy
Shirley Coultershirley.coulter@lawlibrary.ie
Marketing and Research Executive
James Weldonjames.weldon@lawlibrary.ie
Education and Events Co-ordinator
Valerie Kendlinvalerie.kendlin@lawlibrary.ie
Library and Member Services Co-ordinator Cork
Marjorie Connollymconnolly@lawlibrary.ie
Library and Information Services Department
Library and Information Services Manager, Librarian
Nuala Byrne nbyrne@lawlibrary.ie
Sub Librarian
John Duffy jduffy@lawlibrary.ie
Assistant Librarians
Robert Careyrcarey@lawlibrary.ie
Vanessa Curleyvcurley@lawlibrary.ie
Deirdre Lambedlambe@lawlibrary.ie
Magalie Guigon mguigon@lawlibrary.ie
Senior Library Staff
Susan Downessdownes@lawlibrary.ie
Sarah Foley sfoley@lawlibrary.ie
Damien Grenhamdgrenham@lawlibrary.ie
Karen Kelly kkelly@lawlibrary.ie
Joanne Macnaughtonjmcnaugton@lawlibrary.ie
Desmond Mulheredmulhere@lawlibrary.ie
Library Assistants
Lorraine Brien Mahonlbrien@lawlibrary.ie
Peter Brien peter.brien@lawlibrary.ie
Andrew Byrne abyrne@lawlibrary.ie
Katy Byrne kbyrne@lawlibrary.ie
Adrian Constable aconstable@lawlibrary.ie
Paul Cowzer pcowzer@lawlibrary.ie
James Doneganjdonegan@lawlibrary.ie
Nigel Doyle ndoyle@lawlibrary.ie
Michael Ferrismferris@lawlibrary.ie
Brian Kenefick bkenefick@lawlibrary.ie
Hugh Lyons hlyons@lawlibrary.ie
Feichin McDermottfmcdermott@lawlibrary.ie
Josephine O'Connor joconnor@lawlibrary.ie
Clare O'Dwyer codwyer@lawlibrary.ie
Brendan O'Reillyboreilly@lawlibrary.ie
Lucy Sheridan lsheridan@lawlibrary.ie
Bridget Molloy bmolloy@lawlibrary.ie (Cork Library)
The Bar of Ireland structure
Finance and Administration Department
Director of Finance and Operations
Colin Potts cpotts@lawlibrary.ie
Financial Accountant
Suzanne Glansfieldsglansfield@lawlibrary.ie
Credit Controller
Samantha de Paorsdepaor@lawlibrary.ie
Accounts Assistant
Pauline Muckian pmuckian@lawlibrary.ie
Accounts Payable Administrator
Donald Kennellydkennelly@lawlibrary.ie
Purchasing Officer
Vivian McDonnellvmcdonnell@lawlibrary.ie
Administrators
Deirdre Wattersdwatters@lawlibrary.ie
Lisa A Dempsey ladempsey@lawlibrary.ie
IT Department
IT Manager
Michael Lynchmlynch@lawlibrary.ie
IT Helpdesk Supervisor
Mick Bannonmbannon@lawlibrary.ie
IT Helpdesk Support Assistants
Johannes Anthoni janthoni@lawlibrary.ie
Alan Doyleadoyle@lawlibrary.ie
Justin Fordejustin.forde@lawlibrary.ie
Telecommunications and Security
Telecommunications and Security Administrator
Louise Iland LIland@lawlibrary.ie
Receptionists
Anne O'Reganaoregan@lawlibrary.ie
Eva Maher emaher@lawlibrary.ie
Caroline Nannerycnannery@lawlibrary.ie
Geraldine Mulrennangmulrennan@lawlibrary.ie
Heather Ilandhiland@lawlibrary.ie
Niamh Finnigannfinnigan@lawlibrary.ie
Karen Fitzpatrickkaren.fitzpatrick@lawlibrary.ie
Property and Facilities
Facilities and Services Officer Four Courts
Paul Moloneypmoloney@lawlibrary.ie
Facilities and Buildings Church St/Distillery
Harry McQuaidhmcquaid@lawlibrary.ie
Facilities and Buildings Distillery/Church St
Paddy Holmespholmes@lawlibrary.ie
Sheds Club Bar
Manager
Edward Martin edward.martin@lawlibrary.ie
Bar Staff
Barbara Taveybarbara.tavey@lawlibary.ie
Feargal Smythfeargal.smyth@lawlibrary.ie
Communications and IT
Voicemail
The majority of members and staff have voicemail on which messages can be left when they are unavailable.
To put a greeting on your voicemail:
n dial 6000;
n enter mailbox number;
n enter password;
n dial 821, Press 5 and record your own greeting;
n to replay the greeting, press 2;
n if you are not satisfied with it, press 76; and, n to delete and re-record, press 5 and record your message again.
To access voicemail from home or other locations:
n dial 817xxxx;
n dial 81 when you hear your own greeting; and, n you will then be asked for your mailbox number xxxx (password).
To delete a voicemail message: n listen to message; and, n press 76.
To leave a message for another member or member of staff:
n dial 6500; and,
n dial the extension no. xxxx.
To collect messages:
n dial 6000;
n enter mailbox number;
n enter password # – it will then tell you how many messages you have; and,
n when you have heard the message, press 76 to delete and move on to the next one, or 6 to save the message.
Hints:
Press 2 to skip date and time of message or replay message.
Press 4 to go back to previous message.
Press 86 (number of message, e.g., 3) to go to a particular message. This will give you your third message.
To access your voicemail/call pilot from home or other locations:
n dial 817xxxx;
n when you hear your own greeting, dial 81 – this will stop your greeting and give you your mailbox commands;
n dial mailbox number; n dial password; and,
n continue as normal – 76 to delete message and 6 to save message.
If accessing from another part of the library than your desk, or in one of the other buildings, it is not necessary to put the 817 in front of your mailbox number (extension no.).
Please note: you must dial 81 while your greeting is playing.
To save a voicemail message:
n listen to message; and,
n press 6.
If a message is deleted in error it can only be restored while in the session. This can be done by pressing 76.
To change your password:
n enter your voicemail as if to retrieve your messages;
n press 84 (listen to the prompts);
n enter your new four-digit password number followed by #;
n you will then be asked to enter this number a second time;
n key in your old password number followed by #; and,
n exit by dialing 83.
Information technology services
A number of IT services are available to members of the Law Library.
1.Secure connectivity to the @lawlibrary.ie email system offering 10GB of email storage – essential for collaboration with the DPP, CSSO or Attorney General’s office.
Members can access their @lawlibrary.ie email from anywhere via PC, Apple computer, smartphone or tablet device. This is a 10GB capacity mailbox that is stored on site, using the latest firewall and security features to protect members’ email data. Secure transmission occurs to Government bodies such as the DPP, the Attorney General’s office, the CSSO, the Courts Service, etc., as the @lawlibrary.ie email is connected to the secure ‘Government Network’. The DPP, CSSO and Attorney General’s office prefer to communicate through a secure email, and the @lawlibrary.ie email address meets this requirement.
2.Unique IT system account for each member, which grants access to all IT resources.
Each member has a unique username and password that enables them to access the Member Section of The Bar of Ireland website, Barrister’s Desktop, @lawlibrary.ie, legal databases, wi-fi, card services and ‘top-up’ facility (used to pay for print/copying, food and beverages, and stationery).
3.Secure internet access via wired and wi-fi network available throughout all Law Library sites.
Members can utilise the high-speed connection to the internet from any of our sites – Four Courts, Church Street, Cork Bar Library, Criminal Courts of Justice and the Distillery Building. Access is by wired network connection or from using our wi-fi in each location.
Access requires a username/password combination available from the IT Helpdesk to connect to wi-fi in each location.
Note: This service is available to coincide with building opening hours, for example, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the Distillery Building.
4.Wi-Fi network in courthouses on Circuit.
Members can utilise the high-speed connection to the internet from any of the courthouses where the Courts Service has installed its wi-fi system. Access requires a username/password combination available from the IT Helpdesk to connect to wi-fi in each location.
5.Dedicated IT Helpdesk and IT support team to handle IT queries.
The IT Helpdesk is the first point of contact for all issues, questions or queries on IT services.
The IT service to members provides: n management of unique user accounts and access to IT services (internet, email, network, wi-fi); n management of systems, network and infrastructure supporting all IT services; n installation of print drivers on members’ computers; and, n advice and first-level assistance on members’ computers.
Opening hours
The IT Helpdesk is available from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, and from 9.30am to 4.15pm during vacation periods.
Contacts
For username and password queries or general information, contact the IT Helpdesk, Tel: +353 1 817 5500, or email: ithelpdesk@lawlibrary.ie.
Communications and IT
Library services
General information
Library cards
Members are requested to present their library card when borrowing items. First- and Second-year devils can get a book borrowing card from reception. This will allow them to borrow books and put them on their master's account.
Loan periods
All items are available for three days and are renewable twice, except for three-day loan, one-day loan and two-hour loan books. Please note that two-hour loan books may not be taken out of the library.
Fines
Fines are imposed immediately once an item is overdue. A notice will be sent to the member to inform them of the overdue item(s) and a charge of ¤10 per item will be levied.
n Initial fine – ¤10
n Additional week or part of a week – ¤7; after four weeks – ¤100
n After eight weeks – ¤200 + replacement cost of the book
n One-day loan fine: ¤25
n Two-hour loan fine: ¤240
To avoid fines, please call ext. 5449, or email renewals@lawlibrary.ie.
Services
1.Access to 16 databases
Sixteen databases are accessible to all members through Barrister’s Desktop, including Justis.com, the Library catalogue, Lexis Nexis, Bloomsbury Professional, Better Regulation, The Irish Times Archive.
2Staff-assisted research
The Library staff have access to a further 16 databases, such as the Dominion Law Reports, Casetrack.com, Lexis Professional, Thom’s Directory, Lawtel Commercial Precedents.
3.Inter-library loans
We have inter-library loan agreements with Trinity College Dublin, the King’s Inns, the British Library, Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn, Inner Temple Library and the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in London.
4.Training
We organise regular training sessions on online databases, including one-to-one training, group demonstrations and
training fairs throughout the year. If you work mostly from home, we can arrange for one-to-one training sessions over the phone.
5.Communication
Keep an eye out for our Library news in In Brief and on Barrister’s Desktop. User manuals, brochures and flashcards are also available, in either hard copy or PDF format.
6.Copying and printing
Photocopiers and printers are available in all five libraries. The main floor staff will assist you with photocopying, scan-to-email and faxing.
7.Distance service
The Legal Research Centre looks after all requests coming from members on Circuit or away from the Library. Simply email us your request or give us a call. We can scan-to-email, photocopy and DX documents to you.
We can also send books in the DX from any of our libraries. Please note that we can only send books to a DX number, not in the post.
Did you know?
Some of our subscriptions include access to the full text of law books, so if you work from home a lot or are on Circuit, ask us about our ebooks collections!
8.Access to computer terminals
PCs for members’ use are available in all Library locations, including dedicated computer rooms and areas in the Four Courts, Legal Research Centre, Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ), and Cork. Please note: work must not be saved on these machines, as they are wiped daily.
9.Audiovisual services
Audiovisual facilities are available in the Distillery Building and the CCJ Library.
Barrister’s Desktop
Barrister's Desktop is an internal section of the Law Library website, which provides members with access to a range of Library services and databases. It is designed to provide:
n at-a-glance up-to-the-minute information tailored to the individual user;
n a smooth path of access to Library subscription resources; and, n new digitised content.
How do I log in?
Go to www.lawlibrary.ie, click on ‘Barrister’s Desktop’ and log in with the same ID and password you use for your email account, i.e., the part before @lawlibrary.ie. This will bring you straight to Barrister's Desktop.
Location Chart
Library services
Library databases
Name
Better Regulation*
Scope AccessSupplier
Online consolidated financial services
Barrister’s DesktopBetter Regulation legislation including: (universal access via Ltd
n EU Law Online IP address)
n Financial Crime Online
n Irish Company Law Online
n Irish Pensions Law Online
n Irish Tax Law Online
Bloomsbury Professional Online*
n Irish Civil Litigation
Barrister’s DesktopBloomsbury (numerous e-books in each n Irish Company Law (universal access via professional area of law)
n Irish Criminal Law institutional ID and
n Irish Employment Law password)
n Irish Property Law
n Irish Wills and Probate
Casetrack
Dominion Law Reports
Full-text judgments from the English High Library information Merrill Legal Court and Court of Appeal desks Solutions
n Court of Appeal (Criminal & Civil Divisions) (CCJ; LRC; from April 1996 to present. New Library, FC; Cork)
n Administrative Court from April 1996 to present.
n All divisions of the High Court from July 1998 to present.
n Searchable links to Supreme Court (formerly House of Lords) and Privy Council judgments from November 1996 to present
n Selected judgments from the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice.
n Dominion Law Reports 1912-
Library informationThomson
n Supreme Court of Canada decisions, leading desks Reuters civil and criminal cases from all common law (CCJ; LRC; provinces and cases of general interest from New Library, FC; Cork) Quebec are translated and reported
Employment Appeal Tribunal Decisions*Bar of Ireland searchable database of
FindLaw
Barrister’s DesktopBar of Ireland
EAT decisions (universal access)
US Cases and Constitution
Garda Compensation cases*Bar of Ireland searchable database of Garda
Library information Thomson Reuters desks (CCJ; LRC; New Library, FC; Cork)
Barrister’s DesktopBar of Ireland
Compensation case decisions (universal access)
Name
Health & Safety Review
Scope
i-law.com
Industrial Relations News
ICC Dispute Resolution Library*
Irish Times Archive
JSTOR
Justis*
Library services
AccessSupplier
Irish journal from January 1997 to present.Library informationIRN Publishing Provides comprehensive coverage of occupational desks health and safety and environmental issues as (CCJ; LRC; they affect the workplace including: asbestos; New Library, FC; Cork) bullying; chemical hazards; EHS legislation, employer liability claims; HSA and EPA prosecutions; manual handling; noise; passive smoking; radiation; stress; vibration; and, waste.
n Arbitration Law Monthly
Library informationInforma plc
n Law of Insurance Contracts desks
n Lloyd’s Law Reporter (CCJ; LRC;
n Lloyd’s Law Reports New Library, FC; Cork)
n Lloyd’s Law Reports Plus
n Lloyd’s Maritime and Commercial Law Quarterly
n Lloyd’s Reinsurance Law Reports
n LLR: Insurance & Reinsurance
n LLR: Insurance & Reinsurance Plus
n LLR: Professional Negligence
n LLR: Professional Negligence Plus
n Reinsurance Practice and the Law
Weekly magazine providing comprehensive
Library informationIRN Publishing coverage of all industrial and employee desks (CCJ; LRC; New relations issues. Library FC; Cork)
n Extracts of awards as published in the ICC
Barrister’s DesktopInternational International Court of Arbitration Bulletin 1990-(universal access viaChamber
n ICC Commission on Arbitration Reports 1990-institutional ID andof Commerce
n ICC International Court of Arbitration Bulletin 1990-password)
Digital archive of over 150 years of
Barrister’s Desktop Irish Times Irish Times journalism. (universal access via IP address)
Digital library of academic journals, books and
Barrister’s DesktopJSTOR primary sources. (access from Law
n 645 academic legal journals Library premises only)
n Irish Reports and Digests
Barrister’s DesktopJustis Publishing
n JILL (Bar of Ireland database of unreported (universal access via judgments 1936 to present) – exclusive to individual ID and members of the Law Library password)
n English Reports 1220 – 1873 (Nominate Reports)
n E & W judgments Complete (Civil & Criminal)
n UK Legislation Complete
n Justis EU
n European Court of Human Rights decisions 1960 to present
n JustCite* – a federated search platform across multiple databases, including precedent maps
Library services
Name
Kluwer Arbitration*
Scope
Leading online resource for international
AccessSupplier
Barrister’s DesktopKluwer Law arbitration research (universal access via IP address)
Lawtel Commercial PrecedentsPrecedents library as published in Sweet Library informationThomson & Maxwell Practical Commercial Precedentsdesks
Reuters (CCJ; LRC; New Library FC; Cork)
Lexis Library
Lexis Nexis Professional
n All England Law Reports 1936-
Barrister’s DesktopLexis Nexis
n All England Annual Review (universal access via
n All England Commercial Cases individual ID and
n All England European Cases password)
n All England Direct
n Halsbury’s Laws of England
n Atkin’s Court Forms
Employment Law Service
n Industrial Relations Law Reports
n Harvey, Industrial Relations and Employment Law
n UK Journals
n Commonwealth cases
US Cases and Codes
Murdoch’s Irish Legal Companion*
n 10,000+ legal definitions
Library information Lexis Nexis desks (direct charge to member)
(CCJ; LRC; New Library, FC; Cork)
Barrister’s DesktopLendac
n Full text Irish Acts 1922 – present (universal access via
n Full text SIs 1922 – present institutional ID and
n Constitution of Ireland with amendments password) to present
n Supreme Court, High Court, Court of Criminal Appeal judgments, various dates
n Law Reform Commission reports and papers
n Iris Oifigiuil
n Houses of Oireachtas Standing Orders
n Law Society Gazette
n MIBI agreements
n Code of Conduct of Bar of Ireland
n Irish Stock Exchange Listing Rules
n Irish takeover rules
Personal Injury Compensation
OnlinePersonal Injury Compensation archive
Library information Informa plc (formerly Personal & Medical Injuries Law Letter) desks
January 2003 to present (CCJ; LRC; , New Library FC; Cork)
Library services notes
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development (CPD) is the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skill, and the development of personal qualities necessary for the performance of professional duties throughout the barrister's working life.
The CPD Programme was initiated as a means of ensuring the establishment and promotion of high standards of work within the profession, and to enable barristers to develop their careers by acquiring new professional skills and areas of practice.
The Programme supports the objective of The Bar of Ireland to "provide its clients with a high level of expertise in all areas of law combined with skilled advocacy".
Members are responsible for their own planned development. The rules of the CPD Programme are subject to revision by The Bar of Ireland periodically.
CPD rules
The Bar of Ireland CPD Programme applies to all practising barristers. A CPD practice year is a period of 12 months ending on 30th September each year.
CPD requirements – ten points per year
Individual training needs vary, and the CPD Programme has been designed to reflect this by offering flexibility in the training activities that qualify for CPD points. Barristers are required to attain ten points during each practice year. Where a barrister undertakes CPD activities in the months of August or September of any year, and thereby exceeds the total CPD points for that year, any excess points up to a maximum of five may be applied to the following year’s CPD activities. To meet the points requirement, barristers are free to choose activities relevant to their individual professional needs. Points are generally accrued on the basis of one point per hour of activity. Every barrister must keep a record of CPD undertaken to comply with the Programme.
Criteria for CPD activity
The activity must be:
n of significant intellectual or practical content, and must deal primarily with matters related to the practice of law; n conducted by persons or bodies that have suitable qualifications; and, n relevant to a practitioner's immediate or long-term professional development needs.
Types of CPD activity
CPD activities include, but are not restricted to:
n teaching;
n training;
n chairing; and,
n research and writing.
Other examples include:
n legal research and article writing for a publication;
n postgraduate legal studies;
n active engagement in online legal programmes;
n reviewing legal textbooks;
n undergoing training in a one-to-one situation in online research, etc., e.g., training in the use of legal databases;
n preparing, editing, revising, etc., papers, reading guides, materials, mock trials, mooting problems, model answers, etc., for legal exams or CPD programmes; and,
n preparing curricula, reading guides, teaching materials, etc., for CPD activities.
‘Course’ will be understood to mean an education programme, seminar, workshop, lecture, conference, in-house group discussion, distance learning, or face-to-face training session held as part of a distance learning course, summer school, revision sessions, computer-based learning or course presented by means of videotape, audiotape, simultaneous broadcast, or other such system or device.
Other activities may include law courses, preparation and presentation of approved training courses, teaching of approved courses, writing articles or books, private or group study, and work as an external examiner of legal courses.
If a member has a query regarding the appropriateness of an activity, they should contact the Education and Events Co-ordinator.
The number of points that may be attained through various activities is listed in the CPD points summary below.
Programmes that can provide CPD points
CPD points may be accrued from seminars and programmes provided by, for example:
n Council of The Bar of Ireland;
n The Honorable Society of King's Inns;
n groups of barristers organising their own events;
n Circuit barristers;
n advocates’ organisations in other jurisdictions;
n third-level institutions;
n other professional bodies (e.g., the Institute of Taxation); and,
n State or semi-State bodies (e.g., the DPP/AG/CPS).
Continuing professional development
How is CPD administered and monitored?
Members are required to maintain a record of their compliance with the Programme’s requirements. They will be required to certify their compliance on an annual basis. The Bar of Ireland monitors compliance with the obligatory CPD requirements and may audit the CPD records of any member of the Bar at any time. For external events in particular, members of the Bar have a duty to maintain copies of vouching CPD documentation, such as a certificate of attendance, invoice or a conference handout. The documentation should be retained for one year from the end of the 12-month period to which they relate. A member of the Bar may be asked to produce evidence that he or she has complied with the obligatory CPD requirements.
Self-certification
Having attained 10 points, members are required to certify that they have met the requirements. The relevant form on which to certify compliance will be distributed to members during the year, and can be downloaded from the CPD section of www.lawlibrary.ie.
Course of study for barristers in their first year of practice
The Bar of Ireland has devised a programme of lectures specifically for first-year barristers. There will be between four and six during a barrister’s devilling year. There is no requirement for first-year barristers to attain 10 CPD points during their devilling year; however, attendance at these ‘New Practitioner’ lectures is compulsory. Examples of topics covered in this programme: n Practice and Procedure in Certain Courts; n Financial and Practice Management; and, n Drafting.
The week before entering practice, this programme begins with an induction at which junior barristers become acquainted with the Law Library, The Bar of Ireland and matters of professional conduct.
For further information or advice, please contact: Valerie Kendlin
Education and Events Co-ordinator
Council of The Bar of Ireland
Distillery Building 145-151 Church Street, Dublin 7.
Tel: + 353 1 817 4614.
Fax: +353 1 817 5677,
Email: cpd@lawlibrary.ie or valerie.kendlin@lawlibrary.ie
Frequently asked questions
How do I register for events?
All members are welcome to attend events; however, some may require pre-registration, details of which will be sent at the relevant time.
How many hours should I claim for events I attended?
This is a matter for each barrister. The CPD system is one of self-certification so a barrister is expected to record the actual number of hours attended, rather than those advertised.
Am I required to attend any compulsory courses?
You will only have to attend compulsory courses if you are in your first 12 months of practice. If this applies, you will be required to attend sessions that have been devised especially for pupils.
Do I have to submit documentary evidence of courses attended when returning my completed CPD compliance card?
No. However, members are required to retain evidence of having attended any seminar, course, conference or lecture for which CPD hours are to be claimed. You should ensure that you sign the registration documents and that there is a record of your attendance.
How many points can I claim from writing an article or paper?
One point per hour of preparation up to a maximum of four points may be claimed per article or paper published.
How many points can I gain from writing a textbook?
Up to eight points may be claimed per textbook. Co-authorship will attract the same number of points.
Can I claim points for reading legal journals?
Yes. Half a CPD point per article read may be claimed up to a maximum of two points per year.
Are points available for viewing recorded CPD DVDs or listening to podcasts of CPD seminars?
This falls under the same heading as "reading legal journals", and points may be claimed for these on the same basis, i.e., a maximum of two points may be claimed for either reading legal journals, or viewing CPD DVDs, or listening to podcasts of recorded CPD seminars.
Are points allowable for participation on a committee?
Points are not allowable for participation on a committee.
Can I claim points for the same seminar if I present it more than once in the same year?
Points can only be claimed once in a given year for the presentation of a seminar.
Continuing professional development
I lecture in law on a regular basis. How many points can I claim from lecturing?
You may claim a maximum of six points for ongoing lecturing in law.
How many points may I claim for giving a talk or one-off lecture?
Up to four points may be claimed for preparatory work for a seminar or conference (one point per hour of preparation), and points may also be claimed for attendance at the event, again on a point-per-hour basis.
Does The Bar of Ireland recommend seminars run by specific providers?
Each barrister should decide which seminars meet the criteria for CPD activities and which would be of most benefit to him or her. The main consideration is that they are relevant to the practice needs of the profession.
Can I carry CPD points over from year to year?
Only in the case where a barrister undertakes CPD activities in the months of August or September, thereby exceeding the total CPD points for that year, may excess points up to a maximum of five be applied to the following year's CPD activities.
I do voluntary work for the FLAC and other voluntary organisations. Can I claim points for this activity?
Points may be claimed for voluntary legal work (if approved by The Bar of Ireland). These may be claimed on a point-per-hour basis, to a maximum of six points.
My particular circumstances do not appear to be covered by the regulations, or have changed during the relevant practice year. What do I do?
Contact the education section in The Bar of Ireland at the earliest opportunity to discuss.
How will compliance be monitored?
You are required to certify compliance with the scheme annually. The CPD Compliance Card should be completed and returned to The Bar of Ireland education section.
Note: Members are required to partake in at least two activities for CPD purposes. This means that participation in a conference over the course of two or more days will not suffice.
Points allocation
Attendance at courses – one point per hour up to a maximum of nine points.
Teaching/lecturing –one point per hour up to a maximum of six points may be claimed for the first year, and three for subsequent years. This is the total for all subjects taught and all teaching activities.
Presenting a one-off talk – up to four points may be claimed for preparatory work for a seminar or conference (one point per hour of preparation), and points may also be claimed for attendance at the event, again on a point-per-hour basis. The maximum number of points that may be claimed in this instance is six.
Exam marking – one point per hour up to a maximum of four for the first year, and two for subsequent years.
Voluntary and like work (if approved by The Bar of Ireland) – one point per hour worked up to a maximum of six points.
Reading legal journals/viewing CPD DVDs/listening to podcasts of CPD seminars – half a point per article read/DVD viewed/MP3 download listened to, up to a maximum of two points.
Published textbooks – up to eight points may be claimed per textbook published during the period. Co-authorship will attract the same number of points.
Judging moot trials – one point per hour worked up to a maximum of two points.
External examiner – one point per hour worked up to a maximum of two points.
Relevant private or group study – one point per hour to a maximum of two points.
Curriculum proposal or curriculum preparation – one point per hour of preparation up to a maximum of two points.
Chairing a conference or seminar –half a point per hour; additional points may be claimed for attendance at the event.
Continuing professional development notes
Services and facilities
in advance of seating allocations, which will identify the seats available and include an application form. Members are advised to check out all seats and areas before applying, complete the application and return it to the membership administration office. It is important to note that seats will only be offered if all of the member's accounts are up to date.
Members will be notified in writing should they get a seat.
For queries relating to seating, please contact the membership administration office, ext. 5000, or email: ladempsey@lawlibrary.ie.
Room hire
The Bar of Ireland offers a large range of various size rooms for consultation, mediation, training and other related purposes. Rooms are available for hire in the Church Street and Distillery Buildings. Please contact:
Reception Desk, Distillery Building, ext. 4900
Reception Desk, Church Street Building, ext. 5005
Room hire: Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre
Based on the first floor of the Distillery Building, the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre (DDRC) is a purpose-built centre, which operates as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for dispute resolution, from the time initial contact is made to the conclusion of the process. The Centre caters for arbitrations, mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, as well as ancillary activities such as meetings. Our facilities have been used by leading national and international clients.
The DDRC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bar of Ireland. Contact ext. 5277, or Email: info@dublinarbitration.com
Car parking
Car parking spaces are available to rent in the Church Street and Distillery Buildings. Priority is given to tenants.
For queries relating to renting car parking spaces in the Church Street and Distillery Buildings, contact the Accounts Office, ext. 5002, or email: sdepaor@lawlibrary.ie.
There are a very limited number of free parking spaces in the Four Courts and CCJ. Spaces are issued on a lottery basis and are subject to qualification criteria. Applications open in June each year. The lottery draw takes place in July for allocation from October for a maximium period of one year.
The allocation rules and processes are managed by the Library Committee. For example, all applicants must satisfy the Library Committee that they will use the space at least four days per week, and members with any overdue account arrears will not be eligible for selection. Members requesting a parking space on medical grounds must accompany their application form with a full medical certificate.For queries relating to parking in the Four Courts yard, contact the membership administration office, ext. 5000, or email: administration@lawlibrary.ie.
Maintenance
Aramark Property is the property manager for Church Street and Distillery Buildings. Our key on-site contact is Sinead O’Leary, Tel: +353 86 807 7046, and email: oleary-sinead@aramark.ie. Aramark Property provides a 24-hour helpdesk for issues outside normal office hours, Tel: +353 1 894 1220. For day-to-day maintenance queries relating to general maintenance of members' rooms and other services, please contact Harry McQuaid at hmcquaid@lawlibrary.ie, Paddy Holmes at pholmes@lawlibrary.ie, or dial ext. 4663.
Library card services
Each member is issued with a multi-purpose ID card. The card has your photograph for identification and is used throughout the three Law Library buildings. Your card:
n must be presented at issue points to borrow books;
n provides door access and admission into all buildings and premises occupied by The Bar of Ireland;
n enables you to use the self-issue system in the Legal Research Centre 24 hours a day;
n enables use of photocopiers;
n enables you to send post from the post rooms; and,
n provides payment for any of the restaurants and bars within The Bar of Ireland premises.
How to top up your card
Revaluation machines are positioned in the three Law Library Buildings:
n Four Courts ground floor and back gallery;
n Church Street Building 158-159, third floor outside restaurant/bar;
n Distillery Building 145-151, front atrium; and,
n CCJ sixth and seventh floors, beside the photocopiers.
Lost cards
It is vital to the security of the premises that all ID cards misplaced or lost be reported immediately to any of the reception desks. New cards may be obtained by contacting reception at ext. 4900 or Louise Iland, ext. 2790. There is a charge for all replacement cards.
DX Exchange
All Dublin-based members benefit from the DX Exchange service. The DX service provides members with a dedicated incoming postal address. The number will coincide with the allocated 'pigeon hole' number. DX and mail room services are provided on site at all of the Dublin-based locations. The main sorting location is at the front of the Distillery Building. Being a DX member entitles you to send and receive correspondence to other members of the DX service, which includes many solicitors.
Contact:Myles Gray, ext. 2880, at Postroom, Distillery Building.
Tax clearance certificates application
Application to the Collector-General for a general tax clearance certificate. Please see the Member Section of the website to download the Tax Clearance Certificates Application.
Health, pension and insurance group schemes
Four Courts, Dublin 7
Tel: +353 1 817 5016
Fax: +353 1 872 1340
Bar Pension Scheme
Liberty Asset Management Ltd. Block 8 Richview Office Park Clonskeagh Dublin 14.
VHI Group Number 37/2447
VHI
IDA Business Park Purcellsinch Dublin Road Kilkenny Tel: 1890 44 44 44.
Lawserv
At Lawserv, we make the issuing and collection of fees easy and quick, and ensure that outstanding fees are followed up. Using our online technology, you can inform us of details for your fees, we submit the fee notes and you can see where you stand in relation to fees collected!
In a few words:
n FAST – we can generate fee notes via barrister login on our website – www.lawserv.ie – or email/fax us information on a case Recording Form and we send to your clients the next day; n TRACK – we collect and track payment of your fees so you always know what is in and what is due; we send monthly statements and this information can also be viewed online 24/7; and, n FOLLOW-UP – in accordance with your wishes, we will follow up on outstanding fees.
Lawserv can compile yearly income reports for your accountant –VAT, F4Ss and fees issued. This service is extremely cost-effective as it is based on a percentage of fees collected – “no foal no fee”. There are no start-up costs and no contract commitments. Please drop in or call +353 1 902 2526.
Lawserv also offers a new, dedicated billing and accounts receivable management service for barristers. This are based on
Financial services
site in the Distillery Building. Members can avail of these services by contacting the Lawserv main line, Tel: +353 1 902 2562, or Distillery internal extension 5409.
Contact: Niamh McPeake at Distillery, ext. 5409.
The Bar of Ireland Collections Office
The Bar of Ireland Collections Office was introduced to assist members who are experiencing difficulty collecting fees from solicitors. The Bar of Ireland Collections Office is an additional service, which follows a structured collections procedure including, but not limited to, the escalation of a case to the Law Society Regulations Department, which enhances a service previously provided from the Director's Office.
About the service
The Bar of Ireland Collections facility is available to members of The Bar of Ireland to assist with fee collection, located in the Distillery Building. This is an opt-in service for members, with a 4.5% (+ VAT) charge on recoveries. The Bar of Ireland has engaged the specialist collection services of Lawserv to provide this service.
Benevolent Society of The Bar of Ireland
The Benevolent Society of The Bar of Ireland gives temporary financial assistance to barristers and their families who are experiencing severe financial hardship. The work done by the Society is conducted in strict confidence. The extent of financial assistance that can be given depends on the generosity of the members of the Bar and others who contribute, and is at the discretion of The Benevolent Society of The Bar of Ireland.
Members who wish to make a donation can send it to:
The Treasurer
Benevolent Society of The Bar Of Ireland
Law Library
Dublin 7
DX No. 81 6201
A standing order request form can also be downloaded from the members section of The Bar of Ireland website.
PRO BONO AT THE BAR
Pro Bono at The Bar of Ireland
The Voluntary Assistance Scheme
The Voluntary Assistance Scheme (VAS) is the pro bono scheme of The Bar of Ireland. The VAS is run by the External Relations Committee of The Bar of Ireland. The Bar of Ireland recognises that in order for any legal system to operate at its optimum level, access must be enjoyed by all stakeholders and all members of society. Vulnerable sections of society often encounter difficulties in accessing the legal system. While there are State-run initiatives aimed at reducing such difficulties, these are insufficient, and The Bar of Ireland strives to do what it can to address such a deficit.
The VAS does not require a minimum contribution – once a request for assistance is made, a barrister will be assigned and the service is free of charge.
While the VAS reserves the right to decline any request, voluntary legal assistance is ordinarily made available directly from barristers to:
n charities;
n non-Government organisations (NGOs); and,
n civic society groups such as MABS and Citizens Information.
Our services are available to all clients and service users of the above; however, representatives from the organisation in question must act as an intermediary between the barrister and the client. Requests to assist an individual can only be considered if they are made by one of the types of organisations listed above, and the organisation remains involved as the point of contact for that individual.
The VAS does not provide services directly to individuals. This rule is strictly adhered to and requests from individuals are not entertained. There are a number of other organisations that do provide free legal advice directly to individuals such as the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC), the Insolvency Service of Ireland, Northside Community Law Centre, and Ballymun Community Law Centre.
Assistance can be provided in two ways:
1.To the requesting organisation itself – for legal issues arising for the organisation.
2.To an individual as a client of a requesting organisation – in these circumstances the VAS will gladly provide assistance, but it can only be via the requesting organisation acting as an intermediary.
Most areas of law are covered by the scheme, including:
n debt-related issues;
n housing issues;
n landlord and tenant issues;
n prison-related issues;
n social welfare appeals;
n employment law; and,
n equality law issues.-
The scheme does not provide services in family law, childcare law or criminal law, as these are areas that are extensively covered by State legal aid schemes.
When the VAS agrees to take on a piece of work, a barrister with experience in the relevant area is assigned to the case and will work with the organisation in question.
The scheme makes available every service that barristers ordinarily provide to clients. Barristers can become involved at any or for all stages of a legal issue.
Examples include:
n advising whether there may be a legal angle to a particular problem;
n helping with the drafting of initial letters;
n drafting documents needed to bring a claim to court;
n representing a client in court;
n providing training in advocacy (how to plead a case) or other legal issues to organisations that may need to represent clients themselves;
n providing advice in relation to law reform and legislative drafting; and,
n in certain circumstances, the VAS can provide advice on initiating court proceedings and can sometimes provide a barrister to act in such cases.
If a case involves court proceedings, the assigned barrister will first need to be instructed by a solicitor (barristers cannot act in court without an instructing solicitor). If so, the scheme has a number of solicitors enlisted who are willing to act in such cases.
Since its formation, the VAS has provided assistance to a large number of charities and organisations including:
n the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT);
n the Society of St Vincent de Paul; n the Irish Traveller Movement; n Northside Community Law and Mediation; n Merchants Quay Ireland; n Dublin Aids Alliance; n FLAC; and, n Ana Liffey Drug Project.
Get involved
The VAS remains extremely busy, with new requests for assistance frequently being made. The VAS continues to provide help to NGOs and their clients on an advisory basis, and support from interested members is always welcome. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with us by contacting VAS co-ordinator Diane Duggan BL at dduggan@lawlibrary.ie.