The new Queen's Counsel system has failed to boost the number of solicitors applying, it has emerged.

Of the 443 applications received, just 12 were from solicitors, compared to ten of the 394 who applied in the final competition run by the government in 2002/03, before the award's suspension.

The number of women applying for silk this year (66) increased from 10% to 15% of the total, but non-white candidates (21) fell from 6% to 5%.

Mark Clough QC, chairman of the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates, put the small number of solicitor applicants down to the fact that there are still relatively few solicitor advocates with the requisite experience.

He said: 'I don't think it shows a lack of trust in the new process, but a realistic approach and great modesty on the part of the profession. I anticipate the number of solicitors applying will go up, but some may need a bit more encouragement.'

Describing the fall in the number of ethnic minority applicants as 'disappointing but not surprising', Peter Herbert, a barrister at Tooks Chambers and chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, said: 'The cost to apply [now £1,800] prohibited those in minority groups, as one feature of the racism that exists is that people from these groups have been shut off from the more lucrative work.'

Boma Ozobia, chairwoman of the Association of Women Solicitors and a partner at south London firm Sterling Partnership, said the increase in female applicants was a direct result of the more open and transparent application process. She added: 'It's a step in the right direction, but there's still a lot of progress to be made.'

The Law Society also said it was pleased there has been a significant increase in the number of women putting themselves forward. President Kevin Martin said: 'As confidence in the new system grows, we hope more solicitors and people from minority ethnic backgrounds will apply.'

The independent selection panel will begin taking up references for those candidates who pass the initial filter stage. After interviewing them, the panel will make recommendations to the Lord Chancellor.

See Editorial