Pens and application forms at the ready: Prospective Queen’s Counsel need to ready themselves for this year’s intake which opens on February 15.
The Attorney General has announced that the latest intake, which is made on Mr Finlayson QC’s recommendation with the “concurrence” of the Chief Justice, is due to open for a fee of $500 on February 15.
However there is also an increased emphasis, it would appear, for non-advocates to become QC. This has been apparent with some recent appointments, who have hardly been noted for their frequent or effective advocacy in any court of law.
The release issued today noted that “The Governor-General (read Attorney General) retains the discretion to appoint Queen’s Counsel in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the law in fields other than advocacy.”
This means more academics, commentators, legal writers and others who have made such “extraordinary contributions” – opening the field to a range of potential contenders for silkdom.
This also follows calls for more women to apply to take silk.
And remember – your applications need to be with the Solicitor General no later than 15 March.
The Attorney-General announced today that an appointment round for Queen’s Counsel will take place in 2016.
Appointments of Queen’s Counsel are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General and with the concurrence of the Chief Justice and in consultation with the New Zealand Law Society and the New Zealand Bar Association.
The press release issued today notes:
The Chief Justice and the Attorney-General have issued Guidelines for Candidates. The Guidelines (and an application form) are available at www.crownlaw.govt.nz and set out the criteria for appointment and other information about the appointment process.
It is expected appointments will be made in late May 2016.
The post Opening The Doors to Non-Advocate QCs – Apply Shortly! appeared first on LawFuel New Zealand.