Johnian lawyers named as new ‘silks’ in Queen’s Counsel appointments

"I am confident that those appointed today truly deserve to be Queen’s Counsel"

Three alumni of St John’s described as ‘truly excellent advocates’ have been announced as Queen’s Counsels (QCs).

Alec Haydon, Fionn Pilbrow and James Todd were awarded the honorific titles by the Queen on the advice of the Lord Chancellor following consideration by the independent Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel. 

Queen’s Counsels (QCs) are also known as ‘silks’ because traditionally QCs wear silk gowns. The appointments are awarded to barristers and legal advocates who have demonstrated excellence in advocacy in the higher courts of the UK.

Sir Alex Allan, Chair of the Selection Panel, said: “I am delighted at the announcement of the new silks. The selection process is a rigorous and demanding one. Each year, the panel has the difficult task of identifying the truly excellent advocates. I am confident that those appointed today truly deserve to be Queen’s Counsel.”

Alec Haydon and James Todd both graduated from St John’s with BAs in Law in the late 1980s.

Haydon specialised in commercial litigation and arbitration and is based at Brick Court Chambers in London and Todd specialises in personal injury and negligence claims and practices at 39 Essex Chambers, Salisbury.

Fionn Pilbrow also works at Brick Court Chambers and he has been recognised by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as ‘one of the leading juniors’ at the commercial bar. He completed an MPhil in Medieval History at St John’s in 1999.

The new QCs will officially be sworn in at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster in March.

Published: 17/01/19

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