The London Irish Lawyers Association (‘LILA’) is a professional organisation for lawyers based in London with an affinity to the island of Ireland.  LILA is built on this affinity within an apolitical and non-denominational context.  Our members are lawyers, students and academics.

LILA aims to provide a resource for its members at all stages of their careers as well as to provide opportunities for those newly qualified or newly entitled to practise in England and Wales to engage with more senior solicitors and barristers. It aims to encourage relationships by organising lectures, social events and workshops and to represent members by contributing to debate on issues of professional or legal significance.

Please note LILA is not a legal services provider and is unable to assist with legal enquiries or advice.

Membership is free and can be obtained by completing a form in the ‘Join LILA’ section of this website.

Lord Kerr of Tonaghmore (1948-2020)

Brian Francis Kerr, Baron Kerr of Tonaghmore, was a longstanding friend of LILA and we are extremely proud that he was our Patron.

His distinguished legal and judicial careers speak for themselves. Many have spoken of his contribution in Northern Ireland as a barrister, High Court Judge and eventually as Lord Chief Justice. Others have spoken of his remarkable contribution to the Supreme Court, including as the longest serving judge in the history of court and the first to come from Northern Ireland.

We echo those tributes but we also recall Lord Kerr's kindness, his generosity and the extent to which he was always willing to give of his time to support others.

We recall his warm and witty reflections at our events in the Irish Embassy, and in a joint event with former Chief Justice Ronan Keane. We recall the personal tour of the Supreme Court he gave to many of our members- and the care and interest he took in everyone who attended.

The legal community- both in the UK and in Ireland has lost a leading voice, an excellent role model and a remarkable person.