Shirley Coulter serves as Chief Executive of the Bar of Ireland since February 2026, following her appointment through an open and competitive recruitment process. She brings extensive experience in professional representation, organizational leadership, and member-focused governance across multiple Irish professional bodies.
Coulter previously served as Chief Executive of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) since 2020, where she led the organization representing over 5,000 chartered professionals. Prior to that role, she served as the Bar of Ireland's Director of Communications & Policy from 2015 to 2020. Her career in professional representation spans decades, including roles with the Irish Medical Organisation as Assistant Director of Industrial Relations and with the Irish Dental Association.
During her five years at the Law Library, Coulter oversaw all aspects of member services and representation to promote the expertise of members and assist their practice. She has led a number of EDI initiatives to increase diversity in the professions, earning recognition for her proven record of effective leadership in representing members' interests.
Career history
- Chief Executive, Bar of Ireland (February 2026–present)
- Chief Executive, Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (2020–2026)
- Director of Communications & Policy, Bar of Ireland (2015–2020)
- Assistant Director of Industrial Relations, Irish Medical Organisation
- Role with Irish Dental Association
What Shirley Coulter could bring to the Bar of Ireland: Drawing on her tenure leading the SCSI and her previous experience at the Bar, Coulter brings deep institutional knowledge combined with six years of external perspective from another major professional body. Her track record in membership advocacy, diversity initiatives, and organizational representation across healthcare and property sectors positions her to advance the Bar's strategic priorities while strengthening its position as an independent, expert voice within the Irish justice system.
Facts compiled by Executive Moves from publicly available news and press releases on 6 September 2026. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email us and we'll review within 1 business day.
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