Bidding farewell to silk

It would be premature - and presumptuous - to claim that it was the Gazette wot done it, but it is truly remarkable just how far the QC debate has progressed since our leader column of a fortnight ago (see [2003] Gazette, 25 April, 14).

We decried the continuing stagnation in the number of solicitors appointed to that revered rank, and suggested the Lord Chancellor should follow his own lead by casting a reforming eye over the silk system, as he has done over judicial appointments.

One week later Lord Irvine has sent tremors through the bar by postponing next year's silk competition and announcing a reform-orientated consultation process (see [2003] Gazette, 1 May, 3).

This significant development should not be underestimated.

Lord Irvine has until now been a strong defender of the existing QC rank, and until last week it looked unlikely that he could ever be moved towards considering reform.

Barristers are now openly forecasting that the 2003 crop of QCs will be the last.

Bar Council chairman Matthias Kelly QC has launched a fightback, but it is not difficult to imagine that he is now swimming against the tide.

For many in the profession - and more importantly, its clients - silk has become an anachronism that militates against women, ethnic minorities, solicitors and, hinted Lord Irvine, against reasonable fees.

There may well be room for an independent quality accreditation scheme for all advocates in the future.

But the existing system must go.