The event marked one hundred years since the first women entered the profession, namely Frances Kyle from Belfast and Avril Deverill from Wicklow. It also came ahead of International Women’s Day 2022 and as part of reflection on 100 years of law in Northern Ireland.

The photographic exhibition featured portraits of female barristers and is aimed at celebrating and promoting the visibility of women within the profession, with the subjects present for the unveiling of their portraits.

Moira Smyth QC, is a portrait subject and delivered the lecture, which looked back at the history of women in the profession and reflecting the experiences of females today.

Ms Smyth said: “There has never been a better time to be a woman in law in this jurisdiction. The Bar is happily a more diverse and inclusive profession than at any stage in our history.

“However, we must keep building the future for women. Despite recent progress, women still account for 35-40% of the barrister profession across Northern Ireland and less than 20 per cent of the total number of QCs.

“The glass ceiling may be starting to fracture – but is yet to break.”

She added: “This photographic exhibition is important because visible examples of relatable role models have a powerful effect in inspiring and empowering others to follow in their footsteps.

“I’m delighted to have delivered the Women in Law Lecture and hope that these portraits can serve as a visible testament to what can be achieved and encourage the next generation of female barristers.”