Organised in partnership by the Bar of Northern Ireland and
Council of The Bar of Ireland, the World Bar Conference was a
two-day event held across Belfast and Dublin between 16 and 17
May.
The Attorney General for England and Wales KC MP played a key role
during the conference, speaking on a panel about the Rule of Law
and how to respond when it is challenged where statehood
collapses.
She was joined by barristers from Northern Ireland, Australia and
Scotland, as well as the Head of Department for Combatting Crimes
Committed in Conditions of Armed Conflict, from the Office of the
Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
The Attorney General used her platform to address the challenges
of maintaining the rule of law in times of conflict.
The Advocate General for Scotland of Dirleton KC sat on a panel
that considered how legal systems, including practitioners, can
navigate questions relating to freedom of expression in an
increasingly digitised world.
The Attorney General said:
Barristers play a crucial role in the administration of justice.
Whether you are self-employed and work in private practice or an
employed barrister, a barrister's specialist and objective legal
advice crucially helps their client navigate complicated areas of
law.
The World Bar Conference was a thought-provoking event, bringing
together barristers from across the world to discuss common
challenges and share best practice. Only through this discussion
can the profession react to the issues of the day.
During the two-day conference, the Attorney General also held
bilateral meetings with, the Attorney General of Ireland Rossa
Fanning and Northern Ireland's Minister of Justice, MLA.
The Attorney General and Advocate General for Scotland also met
with barristers practicing in Northern Ireland and visited the
Four Courts in Dublin.
The Advocate General for Scotland said:
This year's World Bar Conference delivered on its objective of
exploring how barristers and advocates can respond to global
challenges. I joined the panel discussion on the importance of
freedom of expression and navigating matters of free speech, and
was heartened at how the aims of the session were brought to life
through a fascinating and informed discussion.
While in Belfast and Dublin it was also great to meet with my
fellow law officers from across the UK and Ireland, and to talk
with other colleagues from across the legal profession.
