What is the meaning of King's Counsel?
Q: What is the meaning of King's Counsel?
A: King's Counsel or KC postnominal refers to senior lawyers in Commonwealth countries recognized by the courts and appointed by letters patent to be one of "His Majesty's Counsel learned in the law".
Q: Is Queen's Counsel the same as King's Counsel?
A: Yes, Queen's Counsel or QC is the title given to senior lawyers in Commonwealth countries during the reign of a female sovereign, while King's Counsel or KC is the title given during the reign of a male sovereign.
Q: What is the significance of the silk gowns worn by King's Counsel?
A: The silk gowns worn by King's Counsel are a special design, and they are the reason why becoming a KC is often called "taking silk". The privilege of sitting within the Bar of court is also reserved for KCs and their higher status is given by the Crown and recognized by the courts.
Q: How long does a lawyer typically have to serve as a barrister to be appointed as King's Counsel?
A: To "take silk" and become a King's Counsel, a lawyer usually has to serve for at least 10 years as a barrister or a Scottish advocate.
Q: Are there any other requirements to become a King's Counsel?
A: Apart from serving as a barrister for at least 10 years or a Scottish advocate, there are no prescribed requirements for becoming a King's Counsel.
Q: What is the role of the "junior" assistant for a King's Counsel?
A: A "junior" assistant is always required to work with a King's Counsel, even if the junior has been a lawyer longer than the "silk". Their role is to assist the KC and help them with their cases.
Q: How is King's Counsel different from other lawyers?
A: King's Counsel is not a separate type of lawyer, but rather a status given to senior lawyers recognized by the Crown and the courts. They wear a special silk gown and charge higher fees than ordinary barristers.
