Lord Chancellor Welcomes New King’s Counsel and Honorary Appointees

The legal landscape of England and Wales will witness the addition of eight new Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa) as approved by His Majesty. The awards highlight individuals who have significantly influenced the legal profession or the structure of the law in these regions, typically outside of courtroom settings. The official award ceremony is set for March 2026 at Westminster Hall, presided over by the Lord Chancellor.

Honorary King’s Counsel Award Criteria

The Honorary KC is granted to those who demonstrate substantial contributions to law and society. Recipients include esteemed academics and practitioners recognized for their influence in various legal domains.

Profiles of Honored Individuals

• Professor Eirik Bjorge – A public international law expert at the University of Bristol, Bjorge’s scholarship has shaped judicial understanding in England and Wales and has influenced European legal dialogue.
• Dean Dunham – Specializing in consumer law, Dunham founded Consumer Dispute Resolution Limited, advancing alternative dispute resolution across various sectors. His work enhances consumer rights awareness.
• Professor Susan Edwards – Focused on gender-related legal issues, Edwards’ research has significantly impacted domestic abuse laws and legislative changes like the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
• Professor Rosie Harding – Harding specializes in social justice and disability law, contributing to reforms that improve access to justice for disabled individuals through academic research and advocacy.
• Professor James C. Hathaway – A leading expert in international refugee law, Hathaway’s work has influenced asylum jurisprudence in the UK and guided the interpretation of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
• Peter Kandler – Co-founder of the UK’s first Law Centre, Kandler’s innovative approach has improved access to justice for disadvantaged communities, laying the groundwork for the Law Centres movement.
• Her Honour Judge Emma Nott – As a Circuit Judge, Nott promotes fairness and equality in the justice system, utilizing empirical research to drive systemic reforms within legal practices.
• Colin Passmore – An authority on legal professional privilege, Passmore’s leadership and scholarship have greatly influenced legal practice and encouraged diversity and social mobility within the industry.

Overview of King’s Counsel Appointment Process

The appointment of King’s Counsel is conducted under the advice of the Lord Chancellor, who is supported by an independent Selection Panel. This panel evaluates applications and recommends candidates based on their qualifications and contributions to the legal field.

Further Information

For additional details regarding the King’s Counsel appointments and the Honorary KC award’s purpose, interested parties can consult GOV.UK. For press inquiries, contact the Ministry of Justice press office.