King's Counsel

In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth realms, a King's Counsel (post-nominal initials KC) is a senior trial lawyer appointed by the monarch of the country as a 'Counsel learned in the law'. When the reigning monarch is a woman, the title is called Queen's Counsel (QC).

Not to be confused with Privy council or Law officers of the Crown.
"Queen's Counsel" redirects here. For the satire in The Times, see Queen's Counsel (comic strip).

The position originated in England and Wales. Some other Commonwealth countries have retained the designation, while others have either abolished the position or renamed it so as to remove monarchical connotations — for example, 'Senior Counsel' or 'Senior Advocate'.

Appointment as King's Counsel is an office recognised by courts. Members in the UK have the privilege of sitting within the inner bar of court. As members wear silk gowns of a particular design (see court dress), appointment as King's Counsel is known informally as taking silk and KCs are often colloquially called silks. Appointments are made from within the legal profession on the basis of merit and not merely a particular level of experience. Successful applicants are normally barristers, or (in Scotland) advocates, with at least 15 years of experience.

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