Hopper is fifth to gain silk

After missing out last year, the solicitors profession has seen one addition to the ranks of Queens Counsel.Mid Glamorgan-based sole practitioner Andrew Hopper was the only solicitor out of 77 lawyers to gain silk.

There were 456 applicants the lowest number for a decade including a record high of 12 solicitors.Mr Hoppers appointment brings the number of solicitor QCs to five.

He is the first non-City solicitor silk.Barristers were more than twice as likely to make it to silk as solicitors, with 17% of barrister applicants gaining the status compared to just 8.3% of the solicitors who applied.Since solicitors were allowed to apply in 1996, 45 have done so, with a success rate of 11%.

In the same time, 14% (413) of the 2,969 barristers who have applied succeeded.Mr Hopper described the tally of solicitor QCs as disappointing.

Referring to his niche practice in the conduct, discipline and regulation of solicitors and other professionals, Mr Hopper said he thought he was selected by virtue of being a very big fish in a very small pond.You have to have sufficient exposure in a sufficient number of cases and be noticed by a sufficient number of important people as having the skills, Mr Hopper explained.

Many solicitor-advocates have yet to attract the work to raise their profiles to such an extent, although if they were given the opportunity to shine they would.

There was a fall in the number of ethnic minority applicants from 24 to 19, with three appointed the same as last year.

The number of women appointed remained at ten, despite a drop in applications from 53 to 51.Mr Hopper advised those wanting QC status in the future to look out for high-profile cases to get yourself noticed, and dont turn work down because it is heavy or difficult.

What makes a difference is being seen acting in a number of high-calibre cases.The other solicitor QCs are former Herbert Smith partner Lawrence Collins, now on the bench, Arthur Marriott of US firm Debevoise & Plimpton, Mark Clough of Ashurst Morris Crisp and Allen & Overys David Mackie.Paula Rohan