King's Counsel

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A King's Counsel (post-nominal initials KC) is a senior lawyer, usually a barrister, appointed in theory by the monarch (or their vice-regal representative), in practice by the government or judicial authorities, of some Commonwealth realms as a "counsel learned in the law". When the reigning monarch is a woman, the title is Queen's Counsel (QC). The position originated in England and Wales but is now to be found in other Commonwealth realms. Some jurisdictions have retained the designation, while others have either abolished the appointment or renamed it so as to remove its monarchical nomenclature – for example, to "Senior Counsel" or "Senior Advocate". Appointment as King's Counsel is an office recognised by courts. KCs in the UK have the privilege of sitting within the inner bar of court. As members wear silk gowns of a particular design, appointment as King's Counsel is known informally as taking silk and KCs are often colloquially called silks. Appointments are made from within the...

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