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‘It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed KC, especially at a time when migrants and refugees need high-quality legal representation more than ever. I look forward to continuing with my work in this area and remain forever grateful to the clerks and other staff and my colleagues at Doughty Street Chambers for their constant support over the years.’
Alasdair Mackenzie, Doughty Street Chambers
‘From the Lord Chancellor to the Lady Chief Justice, everyone recognised that none of us could have achieved this incredible honour without the support and sacrifice of those around us. My four sons, their wonderful girlfriends, my parents, siblings, clerks and the best friends I could ever have hoped for at FTB have been a constant source of strength, comfort and humour. Without them, I could never have got here, which is why it was so special to celebrate with them all on Silks’ Day.’
Isabella Tafur KC, Francis Taylor Building
‘It is such an honour and a privilege to have been appointed silk. It is something that would not have been remotely possible without the incredible support and kindness of my clerks, colleagues, clients, assessors, friends and, most of all, my wonderful family. I am also very grateful to all the women who have gone before me who have smoothed the path immeasurably for those of us who have followed in their footsteps.’
Nicola Newbegin KC, Old Square Chambers
‘It is an enormous privilege to be in a position to be made a KC. Silks’ Day really brought that home. I could not have achieved it without the goodwill and support of my colleagues, both at Old Square and across the Bar, my clerks, judicial assessors and instructing solicitors. I am truly grateful to them for their unwavering support.’
Robert Moretto KC, Old Square Chambers
‘We are immensely proud of both Bens on their appointment to King’s Counsel. Their appointments are richly deserved and reflect the high regard in which they are held, both within Chambers and across the profession. This is a proud moment for them and for everyone at St Philips Chambers.’
Joe Wilson, CEO & Director of Clerking, St Philips Chambers
‘Being appointed KC validates not only years of hard work and sacrifice, but also the belief and generosity of family, solicitors and colleagues along the way. I am delighted to be able to thank everyone who supported me, and I hope it encourages others to persevere, whatever the challenges.’
Michael Walsh KC, Serjeants’ Inn
‘I was delighted to be appointed King’s Counsel. Silks’ Day was particularly special as I was able to share it with my family. We will all long remember the grandeur of the ceremonies steeped in tradition at the Palace of Westminster and the Royal Courts of Justice, and the warm welcome at the Old Bailey.’
Alexander dos Santos KC, Serjeants’ Inn
‘It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed KC, especially at a time when migrants and refugees need high-quality legal representation more than ever. I look forward to continuing with my work in this area and remain forever grateful to the clerks and other staff and my colleagues at Doughty Street Chambers for their constant support over the years.’
Alasdair Mackenzie, Doughty Street Chambers
‘From the Lord Chancellor to the Lady Chief Justice, everyone recognised that none of us could have achieved this incredible honour without the support and sacrifice of those around us. My four sons, their wonderful girlfriends, my parents, siblings, clerks and the best friends I could ever have hoped for at FTB have been a constant source of strength, comfort and humour. Without them, I could never have got here, which is why it was so special to celebrate with them all on Silks’ Day.’
Isabella Tafur KC, Francis Taylor Building
‘It is such an honour and a privilege to have been appointed silk. It is something that would not have been remotely possible without the incredible support and kindness of my clerks, colleagues, clients, assessors, friends and, most of all, my wonderful family. I am also very grateful to all the women who have gone before me who have smoothed the path immeasurably for those of us who have followed in their footsteps.’
Nicola Newbegin KC, Old Square Chambers
‘It is an enormous privilege to be in a position to be made a KC. Silks’ Day really brought that home. I could not have achieved it without the goodwill and support of my colleagues, both at Old Square and across the Bar, my clerks, judicial assessors and instructing solicitors. I am truly grateful to them for their unwavering support.’
Robert Moretto KC, Old Square Chambers
‘We are immensely proud of both Bens on their appointment to King’s Counsel. Their appointments are richly deserved and reflect the high regard in which they are held, both within Chambers and across the profession. This is a proud moment for them and for everyone at St Philips Chambers.’
Joe Wilson, CEO & Director of Clerking, St Philips Chambers
‘Being appointed KC validates not only years of hard work and sacrifice, but also the belief and generosity of family, solicitors and colleagues along the way. I am delighted to be able to thank everyone who supported me, and I hope it encourages others to persevere, whatever the challenges.’
Michael Walsh KC, Serjeants’ Inn
‘I was delighted to be appointed King’s Counsel. Silks’ Day was particularly special as I was able to share it with my family. We will all long remember the grandeur of the ceremonies steeped in tradition at the Palace of Westminster and the Royal Courts of Justice, and the warm welcome at the Old Bailey.’
Alexander dos Santos KC, Serjeants’ Inn
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
On 23 March 2026, the official ceremony took place at Westminster Hall where successful applicants in the 2025 silk competition were formally sworn in as King’s Counsel. Here’s a flavour of the special day – with congratulations to all
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Thomas Roe KC and Andrew O’Kola respond to an article by Dr Leonardo Raznovich (Counsel , October 2025) – ‘Privy Council colonialism? Piercing the constitutional veil’
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
