Law Weblog

Queen’s Counsel honoris causa

Friday 13 October 2006 at 8:40 pm | In News | Post Comment

Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of six Queen’s Counsel honoris causa. These are the first honorary QC appointments since the new interim scheme in England & Wales was established. A small selection panel made recommendations to the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, Lord Falconer.

As in previous years, the honorary rank recognises lawyers who have made a major contribution to the law of England & Wales outside practice in the courts. The award is not a “working” rank and cannot be used by the holders in practice as an advocate.

The recipients are professors of law, parliamentary counsel and supporters of legal causes.

The award is not part of the QC selection scheme for working lawyers, nor is it connected to the practice of newly appointed Law Officers (Attorney General and his deputy the Solicitor General) are awarded the rank as a courtesy title on taking up their Ministerial post if they are not already QCs in their own right.