New QCs welcomed: number of BAME and female candidates is up

There have been 113 new QCs appointed in the 2016-17 round, with the number of women applying and being selected at its highest level ever. There has also been a slight rise in the number of BAME applicants, with appointments in line with other groups.

Of the 113 appointments, the following numbers of people in specific demographic groups were appointed:

• 31 women applicants of the 56 who applied;
• 16 applicants who declared an ethnic origin other than white of the 37 who applied;
• 20 applicants aged over 50 were appointed (NB the youngest successful applicant is 37 years old and the oldest is 65); and
• Six solicitor advocates of the 13 who applied – a new record.

Helen Pitcher, chairman of the selection panel, congratulated every successful appointee, adding: “We are pleased that the number of women applying and being successful continues to rise, and that the proportion of women amongst those appointed is at its highest level ever. However, we would still like to see more women apply.  We have commissioned research to see whether there are barriers which may deter well-qualified women from applying.”  

Chair of the Bar Council Equality and Diversity Committee, Robin Allen QC, said: “As well as sending our congratulations to all successful applicants, it is fantastic news that the number of BAME candidates has increased and that their success rate is in line with other applicants. The number of women who applied also rose, and they continue to succeed at a higher rate than men, although it is of concern that the total number of female applicants remains relatively low.”

The new QCs will formally become silks when they make their declaration before the lord chancellor at a ceremony on 13 February.