Top lawyers are a step closer to being able to become Queen's Counsel after a bill to reinstate the title passed its first reading in Parliament last night.Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy said the Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill was an impor
Top lawyers are a step closer to being able to become Queen's Counsel after a bill to reinstate the title passed its first reading in Parliament last night.
Associate Justice Minister Nathan Guy said the Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill was an important step in reinstating the status.
Queen's Counsel was replaced with Senior Counsel by the previous Labour government.
Lawyers had said the new title did not adequately reflect the nature and status of the rank, Mr Guy said.
The bill would also restrict eligibility to barristers sole rather than lawyers in partnerships or firms.
Lawyers in firms would be appointed Queen's Counsel where there was exceptional legal practice.
"Queen's Counsel should be able to advise and represent both law firms and clients who engage them fearlessly and independently, without the potential conflicts of working in a partnership or incorporated firm," Mr Guy said.
The eight Senior Counsel appointed since the change in 2008 could choose to adopt the title of Queen's Counsel or remain Senior Counsel.
The bill will go to select committee for public submissions.
