Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland joins rule of law project as co-patron

Dame Siobhan Keegan
Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan, has been appointed as co-patron of Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI).
Her appointment was announced earlier this week at an IRLI event in Belfast, where Dame Siobhan addressed an audience of barristers, solicitors, members of the judiciary and others engaged in international legal development.
“To be patron is a real privilege and an honour, and a join-up between our two jurisdictions and reflective of the work that we jointly do,” she said.
Dame Siobhan joins the Chief Justice of Ireland, Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell, as co-patron in a partnership that reflects the deep commitment to legal cooperation across the island of Ireland.
In her remarks, the Lady Chief Justice highlighted the serious challenges facing the rule of law globally: “We see increasing threats to judicial independence, the erosion of legal safeguards and the marginalisation of vulnerable communities.
“In many places, lawyers and judges operate under immense pressure, sometimes at great personal risk. In such contexts, solidarity matters. The support of peers from other jurisdictions can be a lifeline, both practically and symbolically.”
Looking ahead, Dame Siobhan, in partnership with the Bar of Northern Ireland, will formally launch a new rule of law project next month.
Stressing the importance of cross-border learning and collaboration, she said: “In Northern Ireland, we are acutely aware of the importance of legal institutions and the rule of law in shaping peace, stability and public trust.
“Our own journey has taught us that the law must be more than a set of rules — it must be a living framework that protects rights, resolves disputes and promotes reconciliation.
“And that experience, it seems to me, gives us a particular insight into the challenges faced by jurisdictions emerging from conflict or grappling with systemic inequality.
“And it has, I hope, given us an open-mindedness to learn from those jurisdictions.”
IRLI’s work “seems to me to be a form of legal diplomacy”, she said, which “builds bridges, fosters understanding and strengthens institutions”.
“It reminds us that the law is not just about power, it is also about protection. It is not just about enforcement; it is also about empowerment.
“So I am very keen to develop and deepen this jurisdiction’s engagement. Our judiciary, legal profession and academic institutions have much to offer and much to learn.”
Dame Siobhan added: “As judges, lawyers and legal professionals, we have a particular responsibility — that is because we are stewards of the legal system and guardians of justice and advocates for fairness.
“That responsibility seems to me does not end at our borders. It extends to those places where the rule of law is fragile, contested or under siege.
“Irish Rule of Law International gives us a platform to honour that responsibility I have just spoken about, it allows us to share our knowledge and our support and stand in solidarity with those who seek justice in difficult circumstances.
“It is a reminder that the law at its best is a force for good. I am proud to accept the co-patronage. I look forward to the work ahead in reaffirming our commitment to the rule of law, both at home and abroad.”
She concluded: “Irish Rule of Law International allows us to share our knowledge and our support and stand in solidarity with those who seek justice in difficult circumstances. It is a reminder that the law at its best is a force for good.
“I am proud to accept the co-patronage. I look forward to the work ahead in reaffirming our commitment to the rule of law, both at home and abroad.”