The latest Annual Silk Round has concluded without any solicitors being appointed as King’s Counsel (KC). This disappointing announcement was made by the Law Society, which highlighted the lack of representation in this prestigious role.
Overview of the Silk Round Results
This year, the King has approved the appointment of 96 new silks, but none are from the solicitor community. The Ministry of Justice released this information, revealing that nine solicitors had applied for the KC status but were not successful.
Significance of KC Status
King’s Counsel status is conferred upon legal professionals who exhibit exceptional skill and proficiency in advocacy. Since 1995, solicitors with higher rights of audience have been eligible to pursue this honor. Despite the potential, only 66 solicitors have been appointed from a total of 231 applicants over the years.
Comments from Law Society Leadership
Mark Evans, the president of the Law Society, expressed his deep disappointment. He emphasized that solicitors bring unique skills to the legal sector and should aspire to be appointed as silks. The historical divide between the bar and solicitors reflects in the low number of solicitor appointments, particularly among diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to Improvement
- The Law Society promotes a merit-based application process.
- They aim to boost awareness of the KC application steps among members.
- Efforts will be made to help eligible solicitors showcase their expertise.
In a positive development, two solicitors were awarded honorary KC status: Colin Passmore, chair of the City of London Law Society, and Peter Kandler, who co-founded the UK’s first law centre in North Kensington.
Acknowledgment of Contributions
Julie Bishop, the chief executive of the Law Centres Network, commended Kandler for his influential role in the Law Centre movement. His initiatives focus on ensuring that legal services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status. Passmore was honored for his contributions to the understanding of privilege and commitment to diversity in the legal profession.
The Law Society continues to advocate for increased opportunities and recognition for solicitors within the KC application process, aiming for a more equitable representation in the future.
