Lord Chancellor's speech at the 2025 King's Counsel appointment ceremony, recognising those who have been formally appointed to the rank of KC and Honorary KC.
It is a great honour and a pleasure to be here today…
To preside over the formal appointment of those receiving the rank of King's Counsel.
Those two letters - KC…
Do not just set you apart from your peers…
And widen the eyes of your bank manager and your clerks.
They are a public recognition, from the Crown …
Of your skill, expertise, and contribution to the law.
It is a momentous achievement.
For many, the pinnacle of a career that is as much a vocation as a profession.
My warmest congratulations to each of you.
And how fitting that we celebrate you here, in Westminster Hall.
After Magna Carta first decreed that the rule of law was greater than the rule of a King…
It was here that the principal courts of England first sat:
King's Bench, Common Pleas, and Chancery.
Here, the ideal of justice became reality…
Laying the foundations of English and Welsh common law…
Which underpins not just our justice system, but those of so many other nations across the world.
These ancient walls have borne witness to some of the most defining cases in our history.
Here, Charles the First was tried…
The gunpowder plotters faced justice…
And one of my predecessors, Sir Thomas More, was handed down his grisly fate…
A warning, perhaps, to any Lord Chancellor who strays too far from the good graces of their premier.
Happily, reshuffles are a little less bloody these days.
Through the centuries, this hall has stood as a symbol of an unshakable principle:
That no one, however powerful, is above the law.
That principle has been defended, time and again, by advocates of the highest calibre.
And into that long line, you now enter.
As leaders in the law, and guardians of the rule of law…
It falls to you, to strengthen, and uphold its values.
To 'take silk' is a distinction earned not just through talent, of course - though we have that here in abundance.
It takes years - often decades - of dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice.
I know the journey to this moment has not been easy.
The road was paved by endless late nights, spent poring over a brief…
Hours upon hours of painstaking research…
Countless weekends lost to work…
Cancelled plans…
And the many times this career has pulled you away from the ones you love…
And who, despite your commitment to this vocation, still love you back - most of the time.
They are here today, cheering you on.
And I consider this honour as much a tribute to them, as it is to you.
Today is also about more than personal achievement.
The rank of King's Counsel is not simply a mark of excellence…
It is a symbol of the strength of our legal system, recognised not just in this country but across the world.
It underpins the global reputation of our legal services sector…
Which stands as a guarantee of integrity, expertise, and the highest standards of advocacy.
And with this distinction comes a broader duty:
To ensure that cases are argued fairly…
To test and challenge the law, so it remains robust and just…
And, in doing so, to shape the legal precedents that will influence justice for generations…
As you hand it down to the next generation.
You are the guardians of the rule of law - and it falls upon my office to ensure you are protected.
That is why I have been so concerned, of late, to read reports of judges and lawyers being subjected to physical attacks - just for doing their jobs.
Recently, a family court judge was assaulted in his own courtroom…
And during the appalling riots of last summer, lawyers feared for their safety after threats, and their work addresses, circulated on social media…
Simply because of who they represent.
Now, in this country, there will always be room for opposing views…
For legitimate disagreements over policy.
To speak freely is a cornerstone of our democracy - part of what it means to be British.
Judges dispense the law - and we can all debate the law…
But as Lord Chancellor, what I will not accept…
What I will never countenance…
Are attacks on those who are doing their duty…
Upholding the law of our land.
Our legal profession and judiciary argue, and make decisions on, some of the most difficult issues of our time…
You must be able to do so free from undue influence…
And without risk to your safety and security.
Anything less is unacceptable.
Your job is to protect the law…
And we should protect you.
From the bar and the bench, you underpin the rule of law in this country.
But it is not only those who practice who do so.
That is why, alongside the 105 new Kings Counsel today…
We welcome nine King's Counsel, Honoris Causa, to your number.
Each has been nominated for their outstanding contribution to the law outside of the courtroom.
Their work may often be behind the scenes…
But it has enriched our legal system immeasurably, and we thank you for it.
First, Professor Martin Dixon, nominated for his scholarship in property law…
Rebecca Hilsenrath, for her advocacy around equality, diversity, and human rights.
Rachel Horman-Brown, who has shaped both policy and the law around coercive control.
Dr Laura Janes, for her work on access to justice, and the rights of children in custody.
Susanna McGibbon, for her leadership in many high-profile cases and inquiries.
Professor Renato Nazzini , for his work in competition law.
Sue Willman, for founding the Asylum Support Appeals Project.
Douglas Wilson, for shaping the law around the use of military force, cyberspace, and investigatory powers.
And finally, Professor Adrian Zuckerman, for his contribution to civil law.
Thank you all for the enduring contributions you have made to legal thought and practice.
And I think that leaves me only to offer my warmest congratulations to all of you, Kings Counsel Honoris Causa and Pro Meritis.
You leave this room with the right to wear a very lovely full-bottomed wig…
A really rather strange monkey jacket…
And, of course, the eponymous silk.
But with great outfits, comes great responsibility.
You are the custodians of your profession…
Upholders of legal excellence….
And guardians of the rule of law.
But most importantly, today, you are husbands and wives…
Fathers and mothers…
Sons and daughters…
And I hope today you will raise a glass to those who helped you get here.
