Today, 11th March 2019, is the day for QCs to be appointed and we are looking forward to celebrating Neil Sheldon and Robert Kellar taking silk. Accompanied by their families and Senior and First Junior Clerks Matthew Phipps and Andrew Tull, the new silks are they are sworn in and received their ‘letters patent’ from the Lord Chancellor David Gauke at Westminster Hall. A second event is held at the Royal Courts of Justice.
This year there were 108 new Queen’s Counsel appointed, which brings the number of QCs at 1 Crown Office Row up to 27, 6 of whom are women. The ceremony contains elements which hark back to medieval times with new QCs wearing full court dress, silk gown and breeches, ruffles, jabot, steel buckles and a full bottom wig.
To be appointed Queen’s Counsel is the highest mark of a lawyer’s advocacy skills, with Lord Chancellor David Gauke commenting “the award of the title of Queen’s Counsel is a recognition of depth of expertise and eminence in their fields. It is this expertise that gives the English legal system its world-leading reputation.”
Congratulations to Neil Sheldon QC and Robert Kellar QC.
Neil Sheldon, family & Senior Clerk Matthew Phipps setting off.
Robert Kellar, family & First Junior Andrew Tull setting off.
