Counsel

counsel meaning

The majority of advocacy that takes place in the Crown Court is done by barristers, who are collectively referred to as counsel. The barristers are "briefed" to represent the defendant in the proceedings that take place in the Crown Court by the solicitor. In a similar manner, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will brief counsel to handle the prosecution case in the Crown Court.

The role of counsel

In the UK, counsel refers to a qualified barrister who provides legal advice and representation in court proceedings. The role of counsel is fundamental to the justice system as they play a vital part in ensuring that individuals, companies, and organizations receive fair and impartial trials. Counsel can represent clients in a range of legal matters, including criminal cases, civil litigation, and family law disputes. They are responsible for preparing legal arguments, advising clients on the law and evidence, and presenting cases in front of a judge or jury. The role of counsel in the UK is one of great responsibility, requiring excellent judgment, advocacy skills, and legal knowledge.

Senior Counsel

In the United Kingdom, the title of Senior Counsel is awarded to highly experienced and accomplished Barristers who are recognised for their exceptional advocacy skills and expertise in specific areas of law. This title is equivalent to the title of King’s Counsel (KC) and denotes the utmost respect and recognition in the legal profession. The process of appointment to Senior Counsel involves a rigorous assessment of one's professional competence, integrity and leadership abilities. Senior Counsel are tasked with advising clients, providing legal representation in courts, and mentoring junior colleagues. Their experience and expertise is sought after in complex and high-profile legal cases.

Junior Counsel

A Junior Counsel is essentially a barrister in training, who works under the supervision of a Senior Counsel on complex cases that require specialised legal knowledge and expertise. They may be called to assist with legal research, drafting of documents, attending court hearings and client conferences. Junior Counsel is a stepping stone in the career of a barrister as it gives them the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop their advocacy skills in preparation for taking on more senior roles in the profession. Junior counsel’s fees are considerably less than that of senior counsel which accounts for less experience and knowledge.

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