They comprise 67 male (28% success rate) and 29 female (34% success rate) barristers, 11 barristers who declared an ethnic origin other than white, and four barristers who declared a disability.
A total of 325 lawyers applied, giving a 29.5% success rate.
However, Law Society president Mark Evans described the lack of solicitors on the list as ‘extremely’ disappointing. Solicitors with higher rights of audience have been eligible to apply for silk since 1995.
Evans said: ‘Since 1995, only 66 solicitors have been appointed out of approximately 231 that have applied.
‘Solicitors bring invaluable skills and experience to the sector. 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 keen to help eligible solicitors demonstrate their unique skills and experience and are calling for their recognition as part of the qualifying process.’
Bar chair Kirsty Brimelow KC said: ‘I send my warmest congratulations to all those receiving news of their successful silk application today.
'It is truly a mark of excellence in advocacy and KCs are recognised internationally as experts and leaders in their field. I also offer commiserations to those who were unsuccessful this year. I wasn’t successful on my first occasion of application. I do hope you will try again in future.’
Brimelow said the Bar Council will continue to investigate ‘barriers to appointment, including at the employed Bar, and we’re keen to support further improvements to the processes for applying, including the quality of information available to applicants, to ensure members can make the most excellent applications and increase their chances of success’.
A further three solicitors, four legal academics and a circuit judge are to be appointed Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa), recognising their positive impact on the law or the legal profession outside the courtroom. They include Peter Kandler, who co-founded the UK’s first law centre in Kensington in 1970, ADR and consumer rights specialist Dean Dunham, and Professor Susan Edwards of Northumbria University, whose work on domestic violence and gender-based violence has helped shape legislation and prosecutorial practice in this area.
The others are: Colin Passmore, former Simmons & Simmons senior partner and legal privilege specialist; Judge Emma Nott, whose research has helped drive fairness and equality at the Bar; Professor Eirik Bjorge, of Bristol University, a human rights and European law specialist; Professor Rosie Harding, a specialist in disability and mental capacity law; and Professor James C Hathaway, Michigan University, a refugee law specialist.
The award ceremony will take place in March at Westminster Hall, London.
