Barristers
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A Lesson in Opinion Writing for New Counsel, c.1877
Some sage advice on opinion-writing from the legendary Francis McDonough (or McDonagh) QC to the young Matthias O’Donnell Bodkin (later QC himself, and County Court judge). As true now as then! More on the legendary Frank, his white gloves and… Continue reading
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The Irish Bar Christmas Golf Sweepstake, 1893
Did you know that the Irish Bar once held a Golf Sweepstake on the first day of the Christmas vacation, in which members of the judiciary participated? The Social Review of 6 January 1894 contains details of an Irish Bar… Continue reading
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The Only Barrister’s Clerk in the Four Courts, c.1900
One of the unique characteristics of the Irish Bar is the absence of any figure equivalent to the English barrister’s clerk, whose task is to get in work for the barrister and negotiate and receive fees. When Sir Edward Carson… Continue reading
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Never Argue a Point Conceded in Your Favour, 1814
When even the opposing counsel concedes you are in the right, what, surely, can go wrong? The temptation to display one’s prowess unopposed can be irresistible. Sadly, as the below account from the Belfast News-Letter of September 2, 1814 shows,… Continue reading
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‘An Absolute Joseph’ in the Dublin Court of Exchequer, 1866
From the Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 30 May 1866, this account of a reference in the Dublin Court of Exchequer to the biblical character Joseph, who successfully resisted seduction by Potiphar’s wife, only to be falsely accused of rape… Continue reading