Number Of Solicitor QCs Expected To Double In United Kingdom

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

08 June 2004

Following the stay of execution granted to the role of Queen's Counsel last month, observers are predicting the the number of solicitor-advocate QC's is likely to significantly increase as the Law Society is given a role in the proposing of candidates.

Under the plans unveiled late last month by Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, the Law Society and Bar Council will take over the appointment of new 'Silks', agreeing on a list of suitable QC candidates, and submitting it to the Constitution Secretary.

If he is satisfied, the list will be forwarded to the Queen for her approval. Lord Falconer, as the head of the Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA) will retain a veto over appointments, but is not expected to use it, and will not take any part in the selection of candidates.

Speaking to the Law Gazette news service this week, Norton Rose partner and committee member of the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates (SAHCA), Philip Reed announced that:

"I would expect the number of solicitor-advocate QCs to at least double this year, and ultimately there may be equal numbers of barrister and solicitor QCs."

SAHCA chairman, Mark Clough supported this prediction, further observing that:

"This should enable solicitors to achieve a par with the bar in terms of the percentage of applications that are successful."

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