New silks appointed

NINE practising members of the Faculty of Advocate have been appointed as King’s Counsel, and a non-practising member has been made an honorary silk.

The new appointees are Gordon Balfour KC, Leigh Lawrie KC, Ceit-Anna MacLeod KC, Drew McKenzie KC, David McLean KC, Rachel Shewan KC, Emma Toner KC, David Turner KC and Yvonne Waugh KC. Non-practising member Dr Alastair Brown KC has been appointed Honorary Kings Counsel.

“They will all be great assets to the senior Bar and have my best wishes as they commence this new phase in their careers,” said Dean of Faculty Roddy Dunlop KC. “Taking silk is a significant achievement for any Member of Faculty.”

The rank of King’s Counsel is generally reserved for those who have distinguished themselves in practice in the Supreme Courts. Advocates and solicitors with Rights of Audience in the Supreme Courts are eligible to apply to the Lord Justice General, Scotland’s senior judge. Before making nominations to the First Minister, the Lord Justice General consults other judges, the Lord Advocate, the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates and the President of the Law Society of Scotland.

Honorary King’s Counsel is an honorary award unique to the legal profession. It recognises those in the profession who have made a major contribution to the law of Scotland or the legal profession and how it is advanced, outwith practice as an advocate or solicitor advocate.