Simon Wilson BL, Róisín O’Mara BL, and Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL have been named by The Bar of Ireland as the recipients of the 2024 Innocence Project Scholarships.

For three months, the three junior criminal barristers will assist with the work of the Wisconsin Innocence Project and the Innocence Project of Florida.

The Bar of Ireland established the scholarship scheme in 2010 as part of its commitment to promoting justice and supporting the professional development of its members.

The scholarships cover travel and living expenses for the three-month period, enabling the recipients to fully immerse themselves in their work with the respective innocence projects.

During their time in the US, they will collaborate with legal experts, review case files, conduct investigations, and assist in preparing legal documents aimed at exonerating individuals who have been wrongfully convicted.

Ms Burke said: “I am delighted to be heading to Florida to work with the Innocence Project this year and am very grateful to the Bar of Ireland for giving me the opportunity to do so.

“In a state which still imposes the death penalty, work by volunteers such as those in the Innocence Project is absolutely vital. I look forward to helping as many voiceless and vulnerable individuals as I can in their pursuit for truth, justice and exoneration.”

Mr Wilson said: “I am honoured to be selected as a recipient the innocence scholarship this summer and am confident my time working with the Wisconsin Innocence Project will be a valuable experience and will further develop and diversity my practice in criminal law from a US perspective.”

Ms O’Mara said: “The Innocence Project scholarship is a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of the wrongfully convicted. I look forward to applying my own legal and non-legal experience to the review of cases.

“I strongly encourage all junior members interested in developing a practice in criminal law to apply.”