Thirty-nine lawyers have been appointed the honorary title of Queen’s counsel, or QC, Attorney General Suzanne Anton announced today.

Appointees are from throughout British Columbia and run the gamut of legal practice. Included are lawyers who specialize in First Nations law, criminal law, commercial litigation, family law and mediation. The appointees are advocates for continuing legal education, community volunteerism and mentorship of new legal professionals.

The honour of a QC designation is conferred each year on members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and contribution. Successful candidates have been members of the B.C. bar for at least five years and have been nominated by their peers.

The call for nominations was made in October. An advisory committee reviewed applications and recommended candidates to the Attorney General. The appointments were made by cabinet through order-in-council.

The QC appointees can be located here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2015_Queens_Counsel_appointees.pdf

Quote:

Attorney General Suzanne Anton –

“The QC designation is given to lawyers who have shown professional integrity, excellence in the practice of law, and who have contributed to their communities and the legal profession in meaningful ways. This year’s recipients are exemplary contributors to our justice system and our province.”

Quick Facts:

• The first Queen’s counsel was in 1594 when Queen Elizabeth I reserved Francis Bacon as her legal advisor.
• Only 7% of practising B.C. lawyers can be awarded the designation of QC.
• The advisory committee for Queen’s counsel appointments includes:
  • The Chief Justice of B.C.;
  • The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C.;
  • The Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of B.C.;
  • The president of the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC);
  • The president of the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch (CBABC);
  • A Law Society of B.C. member appointed by the benchers (directors); and
  • B.C.’s deputy attorney general.