Excellence in Courtroom Advocacy Celebrated as 22 Barristers Elevated to Queen's Counsel Status
26.10.2011
In the first appointment of Queen's Counsel following the devolution of policing and justice the Chairman of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, Adrian Colton QC, told the new Queen's Counsel appointed today at the High Court that they represented the highest standards of advocacy in the Court System for all of the people of Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the Minister of Justice, the Lord Chief Justice and the Attorney General he thanked them for their support in the new QC appointment process going on to say, “the interests of this jurisdiction are best served by the Minister, the Department and the profession working closely together to deliver a justice system based on quality and excellence.”
“The cooperation and mutual respect shown in this process provides an exemplar of how we should do business on other issues relating to the administration of justice. I believe that these appointments today demonstrate how devolution of justice can work, in that we have devised and implemented a unique appointment scheme, best suited and tailored to our specific needs.”
“In his letter to each of the successful Queen's Counsel, the Minister stated:-
“I am aware of the hard work and commitment required to merit the award of Silk and that the selection criteria applied by the Panel were designed to ensure that only advocates of the highest ability be recommended for appointment”.
“I fully agree with this sentiment and have no doubt that the members of the Bar appointed today will maintain the levels of excellence required for this prestigious position. As ambassadors of the profession they will continue to apply the highest of standards to their work and in doing so, shall ensure that the public of Northern Ireland is provided with a high quality and accessible service and I wish all of you well in this new and exciting phase of your careers,” he said.
For further information contact Sheila Davidson 07785793672 or
Maria McCann 07802934246