Following the announcement that 96 barristers have been appointed as new King’s Council (KC) in England and Wales, the Law Society of England and Wales says it is “extremely disappointed” that no solicitors have been awarded the accolade.
Monisha Shah, chair of the King’s Council selection panel, said the panel seeks to ensure the selection process is clear and transparent for all applicants from all backgrounds, regions and specialisms.
“To that end, in addition to detailed guidance on our website, we offer a range of events and webinars during the year where prospective applicants can hear from members of the panel and engage with us directly,” she explained.
“We have also engaged extensively with clerks, heads of chambers, early and mid-career barristers, circuits, solicitor groups, specialist bar associations and various EDI networks within the profession to offer information, guidance and resources about the KC application and appointment process.”
However, Law Society of England and Wales president Mark Evans pointed out that since 1996, when solicitors with higher rights of audience have been eligible to apply for KC status, only 66 have been appointed out of approximately 231 who applied.
“Solicitors bring invaluable skills and experience to the sector,” Evans said.
“There need be no limits to their ambition, including being appointed silks.
“While the number of solicitors applying for KC status reflects the historic division of advocacy work between the Bar and solicitors, the proportion of successful solicitor appointments – particularly from diverse backgrounds – must increase.
“The Law Society supports a robust, merit-based application process that values a range of experiences. We are committed to seeing an improvement in these statistics and will continue to work with the KCA on increasing awareness of the steps involved in applying for KC status amongst our membership.”
According to figures released by the King’s Council, the overall success rate for all applicants in the latest cohort was 29.5% (96 out of a total 325). Nine of the applicants were solicitors, with a 0% success rate. Barristers represented 305 applicants, with a 30.8% success rate, with two of the 11 employed barristers who applied being successful, an 18.2% success rate.
Of the successful applicants, 67 were male (28% success rate), 29 were female (34% success rate), and 11 declared an ethnic origin other than white (21% success rate). Four of the successful applicants declared a disability (22% success rate).
“We are keen to help eligible solicitors demonstrate their unique skills and experience and are calling for their recognition as part of the qualifying process,” Evans said.
