Irish barrister Patrick O’Connor QC recognised for commitment to pro bono work

Patrick O'Connor QC

Mr O’Connor, who hails from Co Clare and now practises with Doughty Street Chambers in London, was presented with the Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award for Lifetime Achievement in Pro Bono by Lord Sumption, a justice of the UK Supreme Court.

He has taken pro bono cases for nearly 50 years, including Budden v BP Oil and Shell Oil and ors, which ultimately led to the introduction of lead-free petrol in the UK.

In nominating Mr O’Connor for the award, Doughty Street Chambers also highlighted his work to help a number of Caribbean men avoid the death penalty; to help ensure prosecutions of police officers acting unlawfully where people have died in custody; and on a rare universal jurisdiction prosecution for a victim of torture.

Mr O’Connor practices primarily before the courts in England and Wales, but is also known for his work on several high-profile cases in the Northern Ireland courts, including representing Brian Shivers in his trial and successful appeal over the Massereene Barracks shooting.