The Bar of Northern Ireland has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting law students at Queen's University with a generous commitment of £100,000 in scholarships and bursaries. As a key member of the Queen’s Bright Future Collective since 2021, the Bar has played a pivotal role in enabling access to higher education for students from under-represented backgrounds.
This year, the Bar has renewed its commitment to the Pathway Bursary Fund, pledging an additional three years of funding to this vital programme. Furthermore, a new scholarship has been announced, set to commence in September 2025, which will support students from under-represented backgrounds in completing the Barrister programme at the QUB Institute for Professional Legal Studies (IPLS).
Síofra Healy, Head of Individual and Corporate Philanthropy at QUB expressed her gratitude, stating: “The Pathway Opportunity Programme is a key widening access initiative at Queen’s, further enhanced through the support from organisations and businesses. Philanthropic support for the Pathway Bursary Fund means that almost 500 students each year are supported throughout their education and can make the most of opportunities that otherwise might be out of their reach. Around 25 law students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds can take up their studies at QUB through Pathway every year, and more importantly, obtain their degree and go on to have successful careers in law. Without this support, it simply wouldn’t happen.”
Professor Barbara Jemphrey, IPLS Director emphasized the importance of these scholarships: “Scholarships for Bar trainees in NI are investments in the future of the legal profession. These scholarships help break down financial barriers and unlock potential, ensuring those with talent are provided with the opportunity to undertake a career at the Bar.”
Donal Lunny KC, Chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, added: “The Bar Council is committed to encouraging socioeconomic diversity within the Bar and is confident that doing so benefits not only the profession itself but also our clients and the public at large. Many members of the profession, and indeed the judiciary, have proven that the aspiration of becoming a first-generation barrister is a truly attainable goal. These examples underscore that this is a meritocratic profession which, although requiring hard work, tenacity, and professional expertise to succeed, does not additionally depend upon any established socioeconomic status to have a career as a barrister. The Bar is very proud to renew its financial commitment to the Pathway Bursary Fund.”
This renewed commitment and new scholarship initiative represent a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse legal profession, ensuring that talented individuals from all backgrounds could pursue their aspirations at the Bar.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Government of Ireland) is inviting applications for internships within its Legal Division.
This department plays a pivotal role in shaping Ireland's foreign policy and ensuring effective participation in international legal forums. The internships, lasting up to 18 months, will commence in the third quarter of 2025 and conclude in December 2026, coinciding with Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting on 1 July 2026.
Interns will work under the supervision of a legal officer, contributing to various tasks and projects, including legal research. This role is essential in providing legal input for the formulation and implementation of Ireland’s foreign policy. Applicants must be law graduates with at least a 2:1 level or equivalent experience, demonstrating knowledge and skills in public international law. A good general knowledge of Irish law, EU law, and human rights law is desirable. Teamwork abilities, good IT skills, and knowledge of French or another European language are advantageous.
Interested candidates should email their completed application forms to [email protected] with the subject line "Legal Division Intern Application." Selection will be based on competitive interviews, with shortlisting if necessary.
For more information and to apply, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, at (this link).
Applications must be submitted by Monday, 28th April 2025 at 5pm.