World Bar
Conference 2024
Independent Referral Bars:
Responding to Global Challenges
#WBC24 takes place from 15-17 May in Belfast and Dublin, bringing advocates and barristers together for three days of debate and discussion.
➜ Join the Conference Ticket Waitlist
Organised by
Welcome Message from the Hosts
Moira Smyth KC
Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland
Sara Phelan SC
Chair, Council of The Bar of Ireland
Our rules-based legal order – both at the national and international levels – continues to face disruption from a variety of factors including; advances in technology, geo-political instability and environmental issues, to name just a few.
The question arises: what value do barristers and advocates bring in the face of such challenges? And can our shared legal and ethical compass guide us through these periods of change?
We invite you to the World Bar Conference 2024, where the response to key global challenges will be considered by the collective insights and experiences of recognised experts in discussion with the independent referral Bars from across the globe.
Our goal is to build a community of lawyers finding renewed purpose in response to these core debates.
Conference Topics
Keynote Speakers
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC
Barrister, Matrix Chambers
The Rt. Hon. Lord Carloway
Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General of Scotland
Yurii Bielousov
Head of Department for Combatting Crimes Committed in Conditions of Armed Conflict, Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine
The Hon. Dame Susan Glazebrook
Supreme Court of New Zealand / Te Kōti Mana Nui
The Rt. Hon. Victoria Prentis KC MP
Attorney General for England & Wales
The Honourable Raymond Zondo
Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa
Conference Schedule
WED 15 MAY 2024 | BELFAST
Evening Welcome Reception
The Bar of Northern Ireland, Belfast city centre
THU 16 MAY 2024 | BELFAST & DUBLIN
Conference (9.15am to 4.30pm)
Titanic Hotel, Belfast
Transport will be provided from Belfast to Dublin.
Traditional Irish Night & Drinks Reception (8pm)
The Sheds, Distillery Building, Dublin city centre
FRI 17 MAY 2024 | DUBLIN
Conference (9.15am to 4.30pm)
Dublin Castle, Dublin city centre
Gala Dinner (7pm)
Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin city centre
CPD Points: 10
Accommodation & Travel
We have organised bus transfers from Belfast to Dublin on Thursday 16 May.
For international guests, please note that there are international airports in Belfast and Dublin.
Discounted accommodation rates are available on registration.
During your visit to Ireland
SUGGESTED DAY TRIPS
Explore Belfast
Ireland's Ancient East
Explore Dublin
Northern Ireland
About ICAB
The International Council of Advocates and Barristers (ICAB) is the forum for members of independent referral bars around the world. The maintenance of an independent referral Bar represents one of the cornerstones of any functioning democracy and legal system. Our members have a unique specialism and expertise in legal advocacy and work, without fear or favour, to champion the rule of law and the administration of justice.
Every two years, the International Council of Advocates and Barristers organises an international legal conference in different cities worldwide. This, the World Bar Conference (WBC), is the only event which brings together members of the independent referral Bar from around the world for three days of debate and discussion on issues and topics of relevance.
Charity Partners
Sponsors
Registration
Join our waitlist below and be contacted when a ticket becomes available.
Limited day tickets are now on sale for the Dublin Castle sessions on 17th May. Learn more
For conference queries, please contact events@lawlibrary.ie.