Taking Silk: Appointed King’s Counsel

‘Arcane rituals in fancy dress’ joked one of the judges!

Recently I went to the Royal Courts of Justice to see the swearing-in of the Silks (newly made up King’s Counsel, previously called Queen’s Counsel)

It’s one of those wonderful traditions in the law that is lovely to watch and I’d never made the effort to go see it before. Im glad I did this year.

A panel of senior judges presides over the ceremony, which was held in courtroom 4.

One of the judges (all of whom are fully robed) calls the new KC up to take a seat ‘in the bar’. This means the KC now has the privilege of being able to sit within the inner bar of the courtroom.
The KC bows four times in different directions. The seats behind the inner bar the court are packed with junior barristers who rise and bow to the new KC. 

The Judge declares “His Majesty having been pleased to appoint you as one of his Counsel, learned in the law.” (KC’s are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Lord Chancellor).

For non lawyers – a very simple explanation of the above is that all barristers are called juniors (no matter how senior or old they are). 

However, after around 15/20 years at the Bar (or as a senior Solicitor Advocate) you can apply to be appointed as a KC, often referred to as ‘taking Silk’ because of the silk gown KCs wear in court. 

 It’s a tough application process. Not every applicant is successful. 

For those who are, it’s a time of ceremonies, celebration, and some serious dressing up! 

They wear a silk black silk gown and a fully bottomed wig. Around the neck a wing collar with bands (two strips of fabric) is worn. Under the silk gown the men wear a formal black coat and waistcoat with black trousers and the women wear a black skirt. The black buckled shoes are especially cute, although I was told, not particularly comfortable.

In legal practice KC’s generally take on the more serious, complex cases in which they lead junior barristers. The usual process is that a case is taken by a junior barrister and if they feel they need to be led because there are complexities in the matter which require a greater expertise, they will apply for a KC. again, the legal aid agency doesn’t always grant the application and private paying clients may also balk at the additional cost..

We weren’t allowed to take photographs in court, but here are some photos from previous years when my friends were appointed.

The two Silks are Ruth Kirby KC from 4PB Chambers and Katie Phillips KC from 42BR Barristers.