Denise Kiley KC new Chair of Bar Council as she targets 'fair remuneration for barristers'

Ms Kiley, an experienced public law barrister, has served as Vice-Chair of the Bar Council for the past two legal years and has also sat on a number of committees, including the Member Services Committee.

Called to the Bar in 2008, she was appointed King’s Counsel in 2024 and mainly practises in judicial review, public inquiries and inquests.

A former pupil of Belfast High School, Ms Kiley studied law at Queen’s University Belfast.

She said: “It is a great privilege to have been elected as Chair of the Bar Council alongside Martin Wolfe KC as Vice-Chair.

“The Bar Council is the representative and regulatory body of the barrister profession and plays a vital role in advancing and protecting the rule of law and enabling access to justice for all citizens.

“A priority for the new Bar Council will be to continue engagement with policy and decision makers to ensure the sustainability of the provision of publicly funded legal services across our jurisdiction.

“These services are an essential part of the welfare state and should be recognised as such. Everyone is entitled to access to justice, irrespective of their socio-economic status. An independent Bar plays a crucial role in this system.

“To sustain the system, we must sustain the suppliers of legal services and ensure that they continue to better reflect the society we serve. The Bar Council will continue to advocate for greater investment in the justice system and for fair remuneration for barristers.

“The work of a barrister is rewarding and demanding in equal measures and shifting social, economic and technological conditions pose new challenges and opportunities for the profession.

“In this context, the Bar Council will deliver measures aimed at retaining our skilled and expert practitioners, through practice and health and well-being support initiatives. The Bar Council will continue its efforts to attract the most talented individuals towards a career at the Bar, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. It is committed to building upon the important work of previous Bar Councils in enhancing socio-economic diversity and equality at the Bar”.

Ms Kiley concluded:

“I would like to express sincere gratitude to Donal Lunny KC for his outstanding leadership as Bar Council Chair over the last two years. It has been an honour to serve as Vice Chair alongside Donal and witness his personal dedication to the core values of the Bar. His leadership has exemplified a steadfast commitment to the profession and the public interest and places the Bar in a strong position today”.