King's Counsel - Knowledge (XXG)

1152:. The award has been criticised in the past on the basis that appointment as King's Counsel depended largely on political affiliation. However, in those provinces which continue to appoint lawyers as King's Counsel reforms have been made to de-politicise the award. Candidates are increasingly screened by committees composed of representatives of the bench and the bar, who give advice to the relevant Attorney General on appointments. The reforms have been designed to make the award a recognition of merit by individual members of the bar, often coupled with community service. 1324:

or solicitor, exceptional contributions through legal scholarship, teaching or continuing legal education, demonstration of exceptional qualities of leadership in the profession, and engaging in activities of a public or charitable nature in such a way as to raise the esteem in which the legal profession is held by the public. The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society also indicates that the committee is asked to consider regional, gender and minority representations among the persons recommended for appointment. In 2017, the government appointed 14 lawyers as Queen's Counsel.

200: 1387:. Until the designation's reinstitution in 2023, there were calls from some members of the Ontario bar for the province to reinstate the King's Counsel designation, on a merit basis, to help Ontario lawyers remain competitive internationally. However, the appointment of ninety-one Ontario lawyers, which included provincial Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers, conservative members of the Ontario Parliament, the Ontario Attorney General's former staff members and more than a dozen party donors drew criticism. 251:, who was given a patent giving him precedence at the Bar in 1597, and formally styled King's Counsel in 1603. The right of precedence before the Court granted to Bacon became a hallmark of the early King's Counsel. True to their name, King's and Queen's Counsel initially were representatives of the Crown. The right of precedence and pre-audience bestowed upon them – a form of seniority that allowed them to address the court before others – allowed for the swift resolution of Crown litigation. 1443:

reputation for excellence in the practice of law; (2) must be recognized as a leading counsel; (3) must have great expertise and an outstanding reputation; (4) must have exhibited exceptional qualities of leadership in the legal profession; (5) must have performed outstanding work in the fields of legal education or legal scholarship; or (6) must have made a great contribution to community affairs or public service. In 2016, the government appointed two lawyers as Queen's Counsel.

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of the five years up to 1970, the number of practising Queen's Counsel was 208, 209, 221, 236 and 262, respectively. In each of the years 1973 to 1978, the number of practising Queen's Counsel was 329, 345, 370, 372, 384 and 404, respectively. In 1989, the number of practising Queen's Counsel was 601. In each of the years 1991 to 2000, the number of practising Queen's Counsel was 736, 760, 797, 845, 891, 925, 974, 1006, 1043, and 1072, respectively.

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Counsel, while all new appointments would be as Queen's Counsel only. Of the 74 Senior Counsel appointed in Queensland before the reintroduction of Queen's Counsel in June 2013, only four opted to retain their title of Senior Counsel. In 2014, Victoria also restored the rank of Queen's Counsel, by way of making new appointments first as Senior Counsel, but then giving the option to seek appointment as Queen's Counsel by letters patent. In 2019, the

2206:(SAN) beginning in 1975. Appointments are restricted to fewer than 30 lawyers a year, made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, which is made up of senior judges and lawyers. The qualification requirements are almost identical to those required for appointment as King's Counsel. The SANs are entitled to wear silk gowns and enjoy similar privileges as the King's Counsel. 5411: 2401: 1395:

to a reporter's question, the Attorney General of Ontario advised that a new process for awarding King's Counsel designations by the Government of Ontario should be announced "soon" and "shortly." Despite calls for the appointments in June 2023 to be rescinded, the Attorney General also confirmed that "all of the individuals who received through service to the Crown will retain their designation". The head of the

599:, that the royal oath should be dropped and replaced by a more neutral statement. It suggested that, instead of declaring services to Queen Elizabeth, barristers should "sincerely promise and declare that I will well and truly serve all whom I may lawfully be called to serve in the office of one of Her Majesty's Counsel, learned in the law according to the best of my skill and understanding". 1671: 756: 425: 60: 880:, for example, the process involves a committee made up of senior members of the State's bar, and usually a non-practising former barrister such as a retired judge. The committee then consults with judges, peers, and law firms on the applicant's suitability for the position. The selection committee deliberates in private, and reasons for the decisions are not published. 2373:

stock at the collar. Bands are no longer worn at the collar in addition to the lace, and the winged collar is also dispensed with. They have white cotton gloves, but these are invariably carried and not worn. This part of their ceremonial dress is taken from the standard ceremonial dress worn at the Royal Court (as opposed to the Courts of Justice) by other courtiers.

1455:, with the postnominal "Ad. E." The award is to recognise lawyers "who gain distinction as a result of their outstanding professional career, outstanding contribution to the profession or outstanding social and community standing that has brought honour to the legal profession". As of July 2018, the Barreau had awarded the distinction to over 350 lawyers. 1311:, one is to be a lawyer from outside the metropolitan area of St John's, one is to be a bencher, and one is to be a lawyer with less than ten years at the bar. The appointments process has been criticised in the past as lacking transparency and being too open to political appointments. In 2017, the government appointed eleven lawyers as Queen's Counsel. 101: 371:

more important cases; and they protected the work of the junior bar, which could not be excluded by the retention of leading counsel. By the end of the twentieth century, however, all of these rules had been abolished. Appointment as QC has been said to be a matter of status and prestige only, with no formal disadvantages.

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and the legal community, which submitted recommendations for appointment to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and Cabinet for consideration, who in turn recommends names to Cabinet. In 2020, the province designated over 130 lawyers as Queen's Counsel, and another round of appointees in February 2022.

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published in 1775, lists 165 members of the Bar, of whom 14 were King's Counsel, a proportion of about 8.5%. As of 2010 roughly the same proportion existed, though the number of barristers had increased to about 12,250 in independent practice (i.e., excluding pupil barristers and employed barristers).

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Upon promotion to King's Counsel, the male barrister retains in court his winged collar, bands, and short wig. However, instead of an ordinary dark jacket, he wears a special black court coat (frock coat) and waistcoat in a style unique to King's Counsel or, alternatively, a long-sleeved waistcoat in

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had been offered a KC appointment but declined owing to the lack of selection criteria. In November 2023, the Advocates' Society wrote to the Attorney General to say that the main criterion for a KC appointment should be professional excellence rather than political affiliation and patronage, stating

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said that in the future there will be a public application process and lawyers will have to demonstrate "a significant contribution to our justice system and work in the public interest." At a press conference to discuss the decision of the Federal Impact Assessment Act on 30 November 2023, in answer

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According to the criteria published by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society on the nomination form, candidates must demonstrate professional integrity, good character and outstanding contributions to the practice of law through recognition by other members of the profession as an exceptional barrister

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Until the 1990s there was a practice that sitting members of the UK Parliament (MPs) who were barristers were appointed QC, if they wished, on reaching a certain level of seniority of around fifteen years, at the bar. Such appointments were sometimes known as "courtesy" or even "false" silk, and also

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These restrictions had a number of consequences: they made the taking of silk something of a professional risk, because the appointment abolished some of the staple work of the junior barrister; they made the use of leading counsel more expensive, and therefore ensured that they were retained only in

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In the 19th century in England, the position was primarily one of rank within the profession, giving the holder certain rights and privileges in the courts. They were ranked as senior counsel, and took precedence in argument after the Attorney General and the Solicitor General of England. Barristers

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In 1839, the number of Queen's Counsel was seventy. In 1882, the number of Queen's Counsel was 187. The list of Queen's Counsel in the Law List of 1897 gave the names of 238, of whom hardly one third appeared to be in actual practice. In 1959, the number of practising Queen's Counsel was 181. In each

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In his statement, Premier Peterson stated that the government would stop awarding the designation and would move to revoke existing designations. Although the government did stop awarding the designation, it did not formally abolish it. Lawyers appointed as Queen's Counsel prior to 1985 continued to

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appoints lawyers, of at least 10 years' standing, as King's Counsel. Traditionally, the appointments are made every second year, but no appointments were made between 2016 and 2020. The nomination process resumed in 2019. Applications are reviewed by a screening committee of members of the judiciary

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The exact position occupied by a Queen's Counsel duly appointed is a subject which might admit of a good deal of discussion. It is in the nature of an office under the Crown, although any duties which it entails are almost as unsubstantial as its emoluments; and it is also in the nature of an honour

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replacing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, barristers were no longer to be appointed as Queen's Counsel; however, those who had been appointed prior to the change of status were not required to adopt the title of Senior Counsel, and following the accession of King Charles to the British throne,

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announced that the title of Queen's Counsel would be reinstated, and a bill to implement the restoration was introduced into Parliament in March 2010. The bill passed committee stage in November 2012, was passed in a third reading and received the Royal Assent on 19 November 2012. In December 2012,

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said that the plan to create a protocol for KC appointments was not a priority, stating: "People don't give two hoots if they have KC behind their names." No further appointments have been made since July 2023, and the government has given no indication that it will make appointments in the future.

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When taking judicial office in a superior court, a barrister loses the title of King's Counsel and only regains it if new letters patent are issued after the person leaves office. Conversely, since the appointment of Senior Counsel is not by letters patent, when a Senior Counsel takes office, there

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and its members are known not as barristers but as advocates. The position of Queen's Counsel was not recognised before 1868. The Scottish bar did have a concept of senior counsel before the introduction of the formal rank of Queen's Counsel. An advocate would self-declare that they were 'giving up

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The government's focus switched from abolition to reform and, in particular, reform of the much-criticised "secret soundings" of judges and other establishment legal figures upon which the old system was based. This was held to be inappropriate and unfair given the size of the modern profession, as

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The appointment of new Queen's Counsel was suspended in 2003, and it was widely expected that the system would be abolished. However, a vigorous campaign was mounted in defence of the system. Supporters included those who considered it as an independent indication of excellence to those (especially

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For ceremonial occasions, King's Counsel wear black breeches and black stockings instead of trousers, and patent leather court shoes with buckles. They wear the same black frock coat and waistcoat worn when appearing in court (never the "bum freezer", however) but add lace at the wrists and a lace

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Application forms under the new system were released in July 2005 and the appointment of 175 new Queen's Counsel was announced on 20 July 2006. A total of 443 people had applied (including 68 women, 24 ethnic minority lawyers, and 12 solicitors). Of the 175 appointed, 33 were women, 10 were ethnic

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He also replaces the black stuff gown of a junior barrister with a black silk gown, although cheaper variants are also worn, including gowns of the same cut but all wool, or in a silk-wool mix, or in artificial silk. The all-wool gown is, strictly speaking, a mourning gown, the Bar being still in

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Nominations by a committee (consisting of the chief justice, the president of the Court of Appeal, the attorney general, the chairman of the General Legal Council, the president of the Jamaican Bar Association, the president of the Advocate’s Association and a representative of the King’s Counsel

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The Lieutenant Governor-in-Council (i.e., the provincial Cabinet) appoints lawyers as King's Counsel. To be eligible for appointment, a lawyer must reside in Saskatchewan and must have been called to the bar of any province or territory of Canada or the United Kingdom, for a period of at least 10

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of New Brunswick and deans of New Brunswick law schools may also be appointed. The number recommended for appointment shall not exceed 1% of the members of the bar in New Brunswick who are not already designated, and the Lieutenant Governor shall only make appointments once per year. In 2016, the

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In the 2010s, some states moved to revert to the old title of Queen's Counsel. In 2013, Queensland restored the rank of Queen's Counsel. Those appointed Senior Counsel before the reintroduction of Queen's Counsel were given the option of retaining their old title or seeking appointment as Queen's

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The lawyer must meet the following three criteria: (1) must be learned in the law; (2) must have consistently exhibited a high standard of professional integrity; and (3) must be of very good character. In addition, the lawyer must meet at least one of the following six criteria: (1) must have a

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The Lieutenant Governor in Council (i.e. the provincial Cabinet) makes appointments on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the President of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island, a member of the council of the Law Society, a person appointed by the provincial Minister of Justice, a

641:) and soon after for the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. In 1897, a petition by the Faculty of Advocates for the establishment of a Scottish roll of Queen's Counsel was approved, and the names of the first appointees were published in the Edinburgh Gazette on September 3, 1897. By decision of 2283:

the designation was changed to State Counsel after independence from Britain in 1964. Legal practitioners who enjoy the rank and dignity of State Counsel may use "SC" after their names. The procedure for appointment is more or less based on the English system, but it has been alleged that this

922:, the rank of King's Counsel was never formally abolished, but in 2007 the rules of the Territory's Supreme Court were amended to facilitate the appointment of Senior Counsel by the Chief Justice. Those appointed QC before the change in each jurisdiction were permitted to retain the old title. 374:

In the 21st century, King's Counsel continue to have the seniority in audience, following the Attorney General and the Solicitor General. It is still the rule that junior counsel must follow the lead of senior counsel in pleading a case, and cannot depart from senior counsel's approach to the

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In most Canadian jurisdictions, the designation is regulated by formal statute, such as, for example, "King's Counsel Act" of British Columbia, that requires the candidates to have a minimum five years of experience, and to have made an outstanding contribution to the practice of law with high

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The Lieutenant Governor appoints King's Counsel on the advice of the provincial Cabinet. Recipients must have at least 15 years as a member of the bar of Nova Scotia. The Minister of Justice is advised by an independent advisory committee, through the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Eligible

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as a senior member of the profession, and the numbers multiplied accordingly. It became of greater professional importance to become a KC, and the serjeants gradually declined. The KCs inherited the prestige of the serjeants and their priority before the courts. The earliest English law list,

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When wearing the full bottomed wig, King's Counsel have a black rosette hanging from the back of the neck, which was originally intended to catch oil and powder that might otherwise mark the silk gown. Modern wigs, however, are made of horsehair and so there is no longer any oil or powder.

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A male junior barrister wears a white shirt and white wing-collar with bands, underneath a double-breasted or three-piece lounge suit of dark colour. He has a black "stuff" gown over his suit, and wears a short wig of horsehair. A female junior barrister wears similar garb, except that the

289:, established in 1833, the rule originally was that the case had to be led by a Queen's Counsel from England, even if the colonial counsel held the same rank in the colonial courts. This rule was not eliminated until 1884, half a century after the establishment of the Judicial Committee. 530:

in the higher courts, and some 275 were so entitled in 1995. In 1995, these solicitors became entitled to apply for appointment as Queen's Counsel. The first two solicitors were appointed on 27 March 1997, out of 68 new QCs. These were Arthur Marriott, partner in the London office of the

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The Lieutenant Governor in Council appoints King's Counsel, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice. The Minister is required to consult with the Legal Appointments Board, which consists of five individuals appointed by the Minister: two are from a list recommended by the

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In November 2004, after much public debate in favour of and against retaining the title, the government announced that appointments of Queen's Counsel in England would be resumed but that future appointees would be chosen not by the government but by a nine-member panel, the

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foreign commercial litigants) who did not have much else to go on, and those who contended that it was a means whereby the most able barristers from ethnic minorities could advance and overcome prejudice as well as better represent members of an increasingly diverse society.

282:, and followed senior barristers in argument. King's (or Queen's) Counsel normally always appeared in courts with a junior barrister, and led the direction of the case. The junior barrister on a case could not disagree with the direction determined by the senior barrister. 705:

was not a QC when he was appointed, a subject which attracted some comment. Despite not having practised law for some time, Wright took silk shortly after his appointment, which was criticised by some as a breach of the protocol against "courtesy silk". Similarly when

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Lawyers who are designated Certified Specialist are recognized and experienced in their field of law and have met high standards imposed by the Law Society of Ontario. This is commonly identified as modern day replacement to the Queen's Counsel (QC) designation.

2124:(SC). The change is in name only; the role is in all practical respects unchanged even down to the full bottomed wig, gloves, robe and shoes worn annually at the commencement of the Judicial Year. Those appointed before the change were renamed Senior Counsel. 2260:, recognised by the courts and wear silk gowns of a special design. It is the equivalent of the rank of King's Counsel in the United Kingdom, which was used in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) until 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic, when the position became that of 2376:

In addition, however, King's Counsel wear distinctive full-bottomed wigs and their silk gowns. The silk gown is the same as that worn when appearing in court. It is this gown which gives rise to the colloquial reference to King's Counsel as

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alone; a junior barrister had to be retained. They could not appear in judges' chambers or inferior courts, either, other than in exceptional cases. They were not permitted to appear in court without a junior barrister, and they had to have

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well as a possible source of improper government patronage (since the final recommendations were made by the Lord Chancellor, who is a member of the government), and discriminatory against part-time workers, women, and ethnic minorities.

1293:. The committee's recommendation must be unanimous. Recipients must have 15 years of active practice of the law in New Brunswick, with extensive experience before the courts, or demonstrate exceptional service to the profession. The 957:

is no doctrinal reason why the title of Senior Counsel is lost. However, this is customarily not done, and the New South Wales Bar Association instructs that "KC" and "SC" postnominals should not be used for superior court judges.

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The position originated in England and Wales. Some Commonwealth countries have retained the designation, while others have either abolished the position or renamed it so as to remove monarchical connotations — for example,

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without a special licence, but this was generally given as a formality. This stipulation was particularly important in criminal cases, which are mostly brought in the name of the Crown. The result was that, until 1920 in

575:, but without comment on individual applications. The Lord Chancellor supervises the process and reviews the panel's recommendations in general terms (to be satisfied that the process as operated is fair and efficient). 630:

writing', meaning that they would no longer draft pleadings and move onto a supervisory role in litigation. In practice this meant that the practitioner would review and revise the written pleadings of their junior.

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Applications made to the attorney general, who consults with the chief justice and the president of the Bar Association and others. Recommendations forwarded to the prime minister, who advises the governor general.

1832:, the title of Queen's Counsel was granted to the colony's attorney general. Although most attorneys general in Cyprus were British, the two Cypriots who served in this position also received this title. They were 645:, these first Scottish Queen's Counsel were not required to make a declaration not to act against the Crown, and so Scottish King's counsel have never been required to obtain a licence to plead in order to do so. 4947: 945:

QC announced that the Commonwealth would revert to using the title of Queen's Counsel for new appointments and would give all existing Commonwealth Senior Counsel the option of changing their post-nominal to QC.

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The government of Manitoba stopped appointing Queen's Counsel in 2001. Existing designations had remained in effect. In 2019, Manitoba re-instituted the Queen's Counsel designation. Appointments are made by the

1169:. Appointments are recommended by the Minister of Justice, assisted by an advisory committee. In 2014, the government appointed seven lawyers as Queen's Counsel. All were employed in the federal public service. 610:, wrote "I have little doubt myself that this is all part of an ongoing politically-based campaign to have the office of Queen's Counsel replaced by a rank entitled Senior Counsel, or something to that effect". 3135:

The hopes of a rising cohort of black and Asian practitioners would be dashed at a stroke by the abolition of silk, and a huge opportunity to promote diversity in the legal profession and on the bench would be

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The holding of any office under the Crown, whether within or without His Majesty's dominions, shall not be affected, nor shall any fresh appointment thereto be rendered necessary, by the demise of the Crown.

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During the reign of a queen, the title is properly "Her Majesty's Counsel learned in the law" but normally referred to as "Queen's Counsel" and abbreviated "Q.C." in English or "c.r." in French (

1250:. Candidates must be acknowledged by their peers as leading counsel, have demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership in the profession, or have done outstanding work in legal scholarship. 3554:"We have been advised by the Crown Office that the title Queen's Counsel (QC) changes to King's Counsel (KC) with immediate effect. The change is automatic so there are no new Letters Patent" 1223:. No more than 7% of the bar of British Columbia can be awarded the designation. Before making the recommendation to Cabinet, the Attorney General is required by statute to consult with the 1214: 5322: 1587:

Applications made to the Silk Advisory Committee of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Recommendations made to the governor general, acting on the advise of the prime minister.

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Ontario courts continued to recognize the Queen's Counsel designations of Ontario lawyers appearing before it where those lawyers were accorded the honorific by the Federal Government.

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I do not believe it to be right that with the now well established mechanism in place for Queen's Counsel Appointments that the Law Officers should be awarded Silk as a courtesy title.

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the designation was originally meant to recognise excellence in the courtroom, but the practice in Ontario was that it could be given to any lawyer, regardless of courtroom experience;

571:, chaired by a lay person, to include two barristers, two solicitors, one retired judge, and three non-lawyers. Formally, the appointment remains a royal one made on the advice of the 3974: 2672:

Edward Parker Wolstenholme and Richard Ottaway Turner. The Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, 1881, and the Vendor and Purchaser Act, 1874, with Notes. W Clowes. 1882. Page viii.

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as "nylons". In the 1990s, it was felt that the practice of granting silk to MPs in this way, without considering their abilities, devalued the rank and the practice was abolished.

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and Barry Macdonald) opposed the requirement of swearing an oath of allegiance to the Crown. The Bar Council, the body which represents barristers' interests, had agreed, in the

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wrote that all QC titles changed to KC "with immediate effect". This was not a matter of decision by the Bar Council, nor by the Crown Office. It is the automatic effect of the

358:, KCs had to have a licence to appear in criminal cases for the defence. King's Counsel and serjeants were prohibited, at least from the mid-nineteenth century, from drafting 2343:

King's Counsel in England and Wales have two forms of official dress, depending on whether they are dressing for appearance in court before a judge or a ceremonial occasion.

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Appointed QC from 1864 to 2008. Appointed only SC from 2008 to 2020. Between 2020 and 2024, SC could become a QC on application. Since 2024, reverted to only appointing SC.

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as an honorific conferred by the legal profession, a trend that would reverse in the 2010s. There is no difference in status between a King's Counsel and a Senior Counsel.

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The following relates to the dress of King's Counsel at the Bar of England and Wales. Most other jurisdictions adopt the same dress, but there are some local variations.

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years. Appointments are based on recommendations from a selection committee consisting of Saskatchewan's Justice Minister and Attorney General, the Chief Justice of the

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The Government of Quebec stopped appointing Queen's Counsel in 1975. Over thirty years later, the Barreau of Quebec instituted a professional award, the distinction of

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who died on 1 August 1714, but that point is now of historical interest only. A female King's Counsel wears a gown and wig similar to that of her male counterparts.

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merit-based system has recently been influenced by political patronage and that the last three presidents have mainly appointed their supporters. In 2013, the

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or High Court of Justiciary were permitted to apply for appointment, and two or three have done so. A solicitor advocate who is so appointed is designated as

4745: 3719: 536: 5051: 174:. Appointments are made from within the legal profession on the basis of merit and not a particular level of experience. Successful applicants are normally 5156: 5103: 346:. Despite being the most prominent and best-paid barrister in Ireland, he was a junior counsel for 30 years until granted a patent of precedence in 1831. 4898: 3270: 1390:

In response, the Premier of Ontario promised on 18 July 2023 to change how King's Counsel designations would be awarded to lawyers. A spokesman for the

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King's Counsel came to prominence during the early 1830s, prior to which they were relatively few in number. It became the standard means to recognise a

1469: 5382: 2116:. A practising barrister could be appointed as Queen's Counsel in recognition of his or her professional eminence by Crown Patent on the advice of the 1844:

after its independence in 1960. Also, this title was given to lawyers with an outstanding career in the Law Office of the Colonial Government, such as

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ruled in the barristers' favour. After more wrangling, the barristers were permitted to make "a more neutral statement" of commitment to principles.

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or dignity to this extent, that it is a mark and recognition by the Sovereign of the professional eminence of the counsel upon whom it is conferred.

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candidates can apply, or they can be nominated by others. Applications generally open in September of each year, with appointments made annually.

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Laura Stone, "Doug Ford says Ontario to change King's Counsel designation for lawyers after patronage complaints", Globe & Mail, 18 July 2023

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In Canada, both the federal government and the provincial governments have the constitutional authority to appoint a lawyer as King's Counsel.

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Gradually, the appointment as King's Counsel or Queen's Counsel shifted from a vocational calling to a badge of honour and prestige. In 1898,

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Colin D'Mello and Isaac Callan, "'Mucked this one up': Ford government under fire for King's Counsel appointments", Global News, 18 July 2023

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for a female counsel). During the reign of a king, the title is "King's Counsel" or "K.C." in English, but continues to be "c.r." in French (

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In jurisdictions that have become republics, the office of Queen's Counsel has sometimes been replaced with an equivalent, for example,

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it was unfair to lawyers who for whatever reason have not been designated, leading to questions about their standing in the profession;

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by superseding it. The attorney-general and solicitor-general had similarly succeeded the king's serjeants as leaders of the Bar in

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adopted the system which lasted only seven years, starting from 14 August 1832. In the period, the main courts were housed at the

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in order to obtain the same precedence as a KC without the concomitant restrictions. King's Counsel were originally considered an

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In practice, the Attorney General appoints an advisory committee which includes these officials and also the Chief Judge of the

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On 30 June 2023, the Attorney General for Ontario reinstituted the practice of appointing King's Counsel, in honour of the

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Government announced it was also going to reinstate the title of Queen's Counsel, and most eligible took the opportunity.

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In 2005, there were more than 150 QCs in Scotland. The appointment of King's Counsel is made on the recommendation of the

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in 1994. Most other states and the Commonwealth Government followed over the next 15 years, including the ACT in 1995,

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times, though not technically senior until 1623, except for the two senior king's serjeants, and 1813, respectively.

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Appointed QC from 1863 to 2000. Appointed only SC from 2000 to 2014. Since 2014, SC may become a QC on application.

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were free to change their designation to King's Counsel. Any future appointments are likely to be Senior Counsel.

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of court. As members wear silk gowns of a particular design, appointment as King's Counsel is known informally as

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Barristers' Society reviewing the history of the QC and current practices throughout Canada and the Commonwealth.

5107: 4418: 4278: 3812: 1384: 873: 614: 105: 35: 2719: 5483:

Canadian Forces Administrative Order 18-4 Recommendations for Canadian Orders, Decorations and Military Honours

5063: 2285: 2168: 2164: 2149: 1473: 1243: 1176:, federal appointments as a Queen's Counsel (or King's Counsel since 8 September 2022) has been limited to the 5012: 3424: 1165:

The federal government stopped appointing Queen's Counsel in 1993, but resumed the practice in 2013 under the

399:

KC (later Dame Margaret Kidd QC) appointed a KC in Scotland in 1948. In Australia, the first QC appointed was

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the use of the designation misled the public, because it was more based on who one knows than what one knows;

788: 457: 5472: 5467: 5390: 1373:

in 1985 to recognise excellence in the profession. Recipients are entitled to use "LSM" behind their names.

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instead of lace at the collar, but he retains the silk gown and court tailcoat worn on ceremonial occasions.

2938: 1849: 5517: 2261: 2257: 2246: 2184: 1796: 1561: 1396: 1173: 327: 3841: 2990: 1853: 718:

took silk on 25 February 2020; earlier that month she had, like Wright, been appointed Attorney General.

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vote. To be considered for appointment, a lawyer must have 10 years at the bar of Prince Edward Island.

884: 5299:

See the savings and transitional provisions contained in s. 2 of Schedule 2 to Ordinance No. 94 of 1997

5029: 4452:"Letter from Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, to the Law Society of Alberta" 2226:

Following the establishment of a republic on 31 May 1961, the title of Queen's Counsel was replaced by

2132:

The title of King's Counsel was conferred until July 1924. The only King's Counsel appointed under the

1837: 1370: 4821:

Alnaji, Yassir (2018). "Bill 203: The Legal Profession Amendment Act (Queen's Counsel Appointments)".

4712: 4294:"Practice Direction No 2 of 1994: Further Amended 12 September 1995: Queen's Counsel – Senior Counsel" 3656: 3119: 1833: 1253:

In 2020, the province designated twenty-six lawyers as Queen's Counsel, from a group of 136 nominees.

3557: 2265: 1181: 626: 319: 121: 5239: 4364: 5507: 5187: 4847:

See, for example, Croft Michaelson, Q.C., an Ontario lawyer employed by the federal government and

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Appointed QC from 1856 to 1994. Appointed only SC from 1994 to 2013. Appointed only QC since 2013.

339: 254:

The new rank of King's Counsel contributed to the gradual obsolescence of the formerly more senior

4338: 4062:

Justice P. D. Cummins, 'Reflections on Judicial Office', paper presented on 1 September 2009, 11.

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Lawyers continue to be appointed King's Counsel by the federal government and by nine of the ten

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are made at both a federal and state level. The selection process varies from state to state. In

853: 527: 240: 204: 136: 4639: 3296: 108:, wearing his court robes at the Bar of England and Wales. For court, he wears a short wig, and 4861:

Ontario Newsroom: BULLETIN: "Ontario Reinstitutes King's Counsel Designation", June 30, 2023.

3709:"Moratorium on appointment of Queen's Counsel – Practice Direction 2/94 (Further amended 1995)" 2356:

similar style with no frock coat, known as a "bum freezer" because it is cut off at the waist.

387:

in Canada in 1934. The first women to be appointed as King's Counsel in England and Wales were

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British Columbia News Release (December 22, 2020): "26 lawyers appointed as Queen's counsel."

2998: 2830: 2504: 1728: 1018: 911: 813: 482: 355: 335: 5452: 4768: 3148: 3086: 4830: 4611: 4155: 4147: 3398: 2692: 2566: 2447: 2432: 2160: 2133: 2041: 1925: 1845: 1281:

The Lieutenant Governor appoints King's Counsel on the advice of a committee comprising the

992: 927: 907: 715: 661: 388: 323: 279: 109: 4085: 902:

The first states to change to the title of Senior Counsel were New South Wales in 1993 and

298:

Attorney General of the Dominion of Canada v. Attorney General for the Province of Ontario,

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Attorney General for the Dominion of Canada v Attorney General for the Province of Ontario

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Group) are forwarded to the governor general, acting on the advice of the prime minister.

1503: 1166: 1031: 979: 877: 572: 255: 236: 216: 3553: 2137: 2062: 1946: 2806: 4872:

Julius Melnitzer, "Veteran litigator calls for Ontario to reinstitute KC designation",

2774:, 1st ed. (London: Butterworth & Co., 1908), vol II (Barristers), paras. 650, 651. 2414: 2321: 2227: 2215: 2156: 2121: 1825: 1768: 1495: 1337: 953:

confirmed that all existing Queen's Counsel would become King's Counsel automatically.

942: 896: 892: 707: 540: 259: 220: 152: 1235:. A recipient must have at least five years' standing at the bar of British Columbia. 139:

as a "Counsel learned in the law". When the reigning monarch is a woman, the title is

5491: 4669: 4651: 3583: 2745: 2578: 1472:(on an alternating basis), and the past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the 1185: 861: 702: 660:. In the 1990s, rules were changed so that solicitors with rights of audience in the 634: 592: 544: 400: 396: 392: 384: 248: 31: 4922:"Doug Ford promised to end the King's Counsel controversy. Now he says no one cares" 4521: 1654:. Recommendations made to the governor general, acting on the advice of the premier 1640:. Recommendations made to the governor general, acting on the advice of the premier 1626:. Recommendations made to the governor general, acting on the advice of the premier 5417: 4971: 2543: 2289: 2109: 2048: 1932: 1829: 1776: 941:

appointed the first Commonwealth "Senior Counsel". In March 2014, Attorney-General

4429: 3181: 3031: 2686: 5255: 4533: 4386: 4258: 3529:"Judge a man by his actions not his website - Reflection on the Attorney General" 2673: 1356:

the designation had been used in Ontario mainly as a form of political patronage.

5461: 5178: 4131: 2963: 2442: 2400: 2335: 2188: 1670: 1631: 1550: 1189: 857: 755: 731: 424: 208: 4151: 3274: 3244: 2264:. In 1984, the position became the President's Counsel. The holder can use the 591:

The title of KC continues to be used. In 1998 two Northern Ireland barristers (

5434:, Volumes 3-5, Ministry of Information, Immigration and Tourism, 1969, page 21 4245: 4200: 4175: 2406: 2396: 1603: 1005: 903: 3002: 2834: 2570: 933:

The Commonwealth appointed Queen's Counsel until March 2007. On 8 July 2010,

891:

governments began to replace the title of Queen's Counsel and appointment by

698:

However, for now the practice persists for law officers of the Crown. Former

4642:". Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (press release), 13 January 2017. 2451: 2313: 2235: 2078: 1962: 1800: 1612:. Recommendations made to the governor, acting on the advice of the premier 1404: 1219:

King's Counsel are appointed by the provincial Cabinet on the advice of the

350: 266: 175: 163: 100: 4790: 2324:. Despite this, existing Queen's Counsels' designations were not affected. 4999: 4986: 4682: 2557:

Dawson, NM (2011). "The Rank of Queen's Counsel: Judicial Perspectives".

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wing-collar with bands may be replaced with a court bib (or collarette).

2317: 2085: 2010: 1969: 1894: 1772: 1507:

Finlayson was one of the first appointments under the reinstated regime.

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was appointed as Queen's Counsel when she served as Attorney General and

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minorities, and four were solicitors. Six people were also appointed QC

211:. The extremely small skullcap on the very top of the wig is a vestigal 5275: 5015:". Government of Prince Edward Island (press release), 6 December 2016. 3569: 2715: 2199: 1695: in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 1592: 1582: 1502:

resulted in a change of government. In June 2009, Attorney-General Hon

1333: 780: in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 449: in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 404: 132: 3054:"Building on Strength: The response of the Commercial Bar Association" 5468:

Guardian 2004-04-10: QC system replaced by new scheme after 400 years

4834: 4738:"Ontario Legislative Assembly, Official Records for 10 December 1985" 3428: 2927:, 4th ed. reissue (London: Butterworths, 1989), vol 3(1), para. 434. 2280: 2187:, and the wearing of silk gowns was required by those sitting on the 1841: 1788: 128: 4135: 3745:"Government calls its new silks senior counsel, not Queen's counsel" 2108:

In Hong Kong, the rank of Queen's Counsel was granted when it was a

5477: 4419:

Library of Parliament – ParlInfo: The Hon. Arif Virani, P.C., M.P.

4112:

Merralls, J D (1994). "Some Marginal Notes About Queen's Counsel".

3842:"24 September 2001 Senior Counsel to replace Queen's Counsel in WA" 3379:

Shiels, Robert S (2017). "The introduction of silk into Scotland".

3360:

Shiels, Robert S (2017). "The introduction of silk into Scotland".

3341:

Shiels, Robert S (2017). "The introduction of silk into Scotland".

1089:

Appointed only SC from 2010 to 2013. Appointed only QC since 2013.

162:. Members in the UK have the privilege of sitting within the inner 2486:"King's Counsel nomination process - Province of British Columbia" 1780: 198: 159: 99: 5079:"Distinguished Lawyers Honoured with King's Counsel Designations" 2438:, a BBC 2011 legal drama showing the competitive pursuit of silk. 2214:

Since independence, the title of Queen's Counsel was replaced by

526:

In 1994, solicitors of England and Wales became entitled to gain

5091:"Saskatchewan Lawyers Honoured with King's Counsel Designations" 4804:"Certified Specialists - About the Certified Specialist Program" 3506:"Does It Matter That Cameron's New Attorney General Isn't a QC?" 3118:

Courtenay Griffiths; Linda Dobbs; Oba Nsugbe (3 November 2003).

1429:. The committee's recommendations must be carried by at least a 1353:

no other profession received government awards of this type; and

633:

Initially the status of QC was reserved first for law officers (

212: 1260:

is automatically appointed as King's Counsel on taking office.

219:. Caption reads "He resisted the temptation to cross-examine a 4627:

Rumpole and the Old Boy Net, Newfoundland and Labrador version

4601:(Press release). Government of New Brunswick. 21 October 2016. 3873:"The rustle of silk: a restoration play for the 21st Century?" 2256:) is a professional rank, as their status is conferred by the 1811:

With Barbados becoming a republic on 30 November 2021 and the

1664: 1336:

stopped making appointments. In 1985, then-Premier of Ontario

987:

Appointed QC from 1856 to 1993. Appointed only SC since 1993.

749: 418: 53: 5211:"Taking the Silk Route - Designating KCs or Senior Advocates" 1840:, 1952-1956, who was also the first attorney general of the 1188:

was appointed a Queen's Counsel on 15 April 2019. However,

318:

Until the late 19th century, some barristers were granted a

5081:, Saskatchewan Government Media Release, December 18, 2023. 3955:"States divide over restoration of 'Queen's Counsel' title" 2631:. The Bar Council of the United Kingdom. 11 December 2009. 2429:, The King's Counsel Selection Panel for England and Wales. 349:

From the beginning, KCs were not allowed to appear against

5093:, Saskatchewan Government Media Release, January 26, 2024. 3655:. Bar Association of New South Wales. 1993. Archived from 3297:"Explanatory Notes to Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002" 1369:, the governing body for Ontario lawyers, implemented the 5473:

Guardian 2004-05-28: U-turn lets QC title live on for now

2090: 1974: 158:

Appointment as King's Counsel is an office recognised by

3622:"Court Structure, Judges' Titles and Order of Seniority" 3425:"Announcement: Queens Counsel in England and Wales 2013" 3322:

Shiels, Robert S (2007). "Queen's Counsel in Scotland".

2744:

Final Report of the Royal Commission on Legal Services.

1650: