As in England, the legal profession in Ireland was divided into two branches, barristers and solicitors.
Solicitors (previously known as attorneys) dealt directly with the public. If the matter became litigious, the solicitor would retain a barrister – a different type of lawyer specialising in court advocacy – to draft proceedings and appear in court on the client’s behalf.
Barristers were easily recognisable from their distinctive horsehair wigs and stuff or silk gowns. A 19th century barrister started life as a Junior Counsel in a stuff gown and might, if they were successful in their career, ‘take silk,’ and become a King’s/Queen’s Counsel, appearing as leading counsel in the Superior Courts.
Unlike barristers in other jurisdictions, Irish barristers never grouped together to form chambers. Instead, they operated as sole practitioners, first from their own homes and later from a Law Library in the Four Courts, set up to provide them with on-site accommodation and legal assistance.
Most of the focus on this site is on barristers rather than solicitors, as they were the category of lawyer most closely linked to the Four Courts. However there were some stories about Irish solicitors which were so fascinating that they simply had to be included!
