THE legal profession in Northern Ireland has been left in shock after the sudden death of a "highly respected and extremely popular" barrister.
Ivor McAteer (KC), aged in his fifties, was originally from Derry and was admitted to the bar in 1990 and took silk in 2020.
A family notice said he died suddenly on Monday and was the beloved husband of Karen and father of Amy, Matthew, Claire and Eimear.
During his career, the high profile cases he had worked on included representing the family of the missing schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson.
He also qualified in the Republic, being called to the Bar of Ireland in 1999, and most recently held the position of chairman of the Bar's Professional Conduct Committee.
Moira Smyth KC, Chair of the Bar Council, paid tribute to Mr McAteer on behalf of the profession in Northern Ireland.
“The shock of Ivor’s passing has deeply affected the Bar where he was a well-known, highly respected and extremely popular colleague," she said.
“There is an acutely sombre atmosphere today within the Bar Library with many barristers deeply shocked at this sudden and tragic news. Ivor was a friend to many in the profession and was universally recognised as a very able, kind and supportive colleague.
“On behalf of the Bar Council we offer our deepest condolences to Ivor’s family and many friends. We offer them our steadfast support in the very difficult days ahead and will aim to help them in any way we can.”
The family home is private until funeral arrangements are confirmed.
