Lord Chancellor to preside at Westminster Hall as academics and consumer champions join new Silks
His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of 96 new King’s Counsel (KC) and eight Honorary King’s Counsel, marking the culmination of the 2025-26 selection round.
The Lord Chancellor will formally bestow the titles at a ceremony in Westminster Hall in March 2026. This year’s list sees a total of 104 awards, recognising excellence in advocacy alongside significant contributions to the law outside the courtroom.
Honorary King’s Counsel: The 2026 Cohort In a notable year for legal academia and consumer protection, His Majesty has approved eight Honorary KCs. This rare distinction is awarded to individuals who have made a major impact on the law of England and Wales beyond the traditional role of a barrister in court.
Among the newly appointed Honorary KCs are:
Dean Dunham: A solicitor and leading voice in consumer law and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Dunham was nominated for his work in pioneering accessible ADR schemes in the aviation and retail sectors, significantly improving access to justice for consumers.
Professor Rosie Harding: A legal academic at the University of Birmingham, recognised for her influential work on disability and mental capacity law. Her research has directly shaped the Law Commission’s reforms on wills and supported decision-making.
Professor Susan Edwards: Of Northumbria University, honoured for her sustained contribution to reforming the law on domestic abuse, homicide, and gender-based violence.
Professor Eirik Bjorge: A Professor of Law at the University of Bristol, cited for his scholarship in public international law and human rights, which has been referenced by the UK Supreme Court.
Professor James Hathaway: A global authority on international refugee law, recognised for his influence on asylum jurisprudence in the UK courts.
The list of 96 practicing barristers and solicitors appointed to the rank of KC reflects a strong showing for specialists in public law, planning, and children law.
Prominent appointments include Nicholas Gibson and Helen Law of Matrix Chambers, and Christopher Knight of 11KBW. The planning and environmental bar also saw significant success, with appointments such as Rose Grogan (39 Essex Chambers) and Martin Carter (Kings Chambers).
The Selection Process The 96 new Silks were selected by the independent King’s Counsel Selection Panel, following a rigorous peer-review process that assesses applicants on competencies including understanding and using the law, advocacy, and working with others.
The title of KC is a “kite mark” of excellence, awarded only to those who have demonstrated the highest level of skill in the conduct of advocacy in the higher courts.
The Lord Chancellor will welcome the new appointees in March, where they will make their solemn declaration in the historic surroundings of Westminster Hall.