Law Weblog

New QC system fails before it starts

Thursday 24 November 2005 at 8:30 pm | In News | Post Comment

The new transparent scheme for selecting QCs was meant to attract more minority ethnic lawyers. It appears to have failed before it has started. Only 21 have applied to become QCs a smaller proportion (5%) than under the old system.

It is thought that the fee of £1,800 paid on application has deterred black and Asian lawyers, who are known to earn less than other lawyers. The £1,800 is not refundable and as only one in four gets selected there is a considerable risk. 97% of the applicants were barristers.

Details here