Code of Conduct

Home > Code of Conduct

Complaints against barristers are investigated by the Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar Council.

The Professional Conduct Committee consists of members of the Bar appointed by the Bar Council together with 2 lay representatives. It is bound by the Bye-Laws of the Professional Conduct Committee.

It costs nothing to make a complaint to the Professional Conduct Committee and, whatever the result, you incur no liability to pay costs. If you are asked to attend a Tribunal as a witness your reasonable expenses will be paid by the Bar Council.

Your complaint must be in writing and should:

  • identify the barrister concerned
  • identify any solicitor who may have been involved
  • set out in detail the grounds on which you wish to complain
  • identify (or include a statement from) any witness who can support the complaint
  • be accompanied by any relevant court documents or letters

Code of Conduct

Appendix 1 Equality Code for The Bar

Appendix 2 Ettiquette in the Queens Bench Division Sep 10

Appendix 3 Guidelines for negotiation with insurance companies

Appendix 4 Attendance by Solicitors on Counsel

Appendix 5 Guidance applicable when client confesses Sep 10

Appendix 6 Practice Direction and memo re wigs Sep 10

Appendix 7 Pupillage Guidelines

Appendix 8 Bar Library circulation rules

Appendix 9 House Rules

Appendix 10 Code of Conduct for European Lawyers

Appendix 11 Charter of Core Principles

The Constitution and Bye Laws of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland - Fitness to Practice Rules