Application process

The Advisory Committee on the grant of Patents of Precedence makes recommendations to the Government to grant a patent to a legal practitioner, allowing them to use the designation 'Senior Counsel'. The Committee is currently seeking expressions of interest from solicitors and barristers.

How to apply

Applications should be made by email to patents@lsra.ie and include:

• a completed application form including a signed and dated declaration;
• a Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Reference Number plus Tax Clearance Access Number (or equivalent if outside the State) that is in force; l
• two references only, one of which is to be from a current or former judge and one from a legal practitioner (references must be sent directly by the individual referees to patents@lsra.ie for the attention of the Secretary to the Committee); and
• links to or pdf versions of any articles or publications relied upon as part of an application.

All elements of the application must be received by 5pm on Friday 4 April 2025.

Applicants are asked to contact the LSRA at patents@lsra.ie in advance of submitting an application. This will allow the LSRA to facilitate applicants in ensuring their application is received.

For more information, see the LSRA website.