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I agree it is a shame that so many of the commentators on this matter lack the conviction to use their name. To the person who wished to correct my earlier post, please read it again. I am not suggesting that only Barristers are Counsel. Any lawyer, regardless of his background, representing and advising a Client is acting as Counsel. My view is that describing yourself as “of Counsel” infers that you are a Barrister. It would not be misrepresentation, merely misleading, and in truth Joe Public probably wouldn't understand the difference anyway. Perhaps if Barrister were a protected title like Architect or Engineer the inference to pass off would be clearer. The issue of the St Johns medal and title appears to be resolved in that the body concerned have confirmed to Police, I understand from reading the internet articles, that Alan did not have the right to the title. Ironic when it was this very medal badge / ribbon that drew most attention. Alan may well hold all the degrees and credentials to which he refers, although on inspection they may well “mean” something different to what you expect. The Judge was right to pull him up, but it should have been done quietly and in private and before he started to hear him. Equally, Alan cannot expect to customise a Court robe. Where would that end if it were allowed to happen?