Female QCs at record high

Thursday, 20, Jul 2006 12:00

Record numbers of women and people from ethnic minorities have been awarded the legal rank of Queen's Counsel, in the first year of a new selection process.

Of the 175 people chosen, 33 were women and ten were from ethnic minorities, beating highs of 12 and seven respectively.

The independent panel bases its recommendations solely on evidence from applications, interviews and references, replacing the old system in which appointments were made by the lord chancellor.

Chairman of the selection panel Sir Duncan Nichol said no quotas had been used, and insisted the process was "entirely evidence-based".

He added: "There were significant changes in the process and the expectation was that would lead to a different outcome, which we believe it did."

Liberal Democrat shadow attorney general Simon Hughes said this showed "encouraging signs", adding: "At last the legal hierarchy of lawyers is beginning to reflect the Britain it represents."