Are you a frustrated junior barrister fed up with those silks hogging the limelight? We bring you good tidings. The Supreme Court Practice Note of 7 March, issued by Lord Reed, bemoans the absence of junior counsel arguing issues before his court: ‘Experience in advancing oral argument is essential if junior counsel are to progress.’ Parties are encouraged to give junior counsel opportunities to advance oral arguments before the court.
The note accepts that this will not always be possible. From 9 April, the court expects to receive—alongside agreed speaking times—confirmation, in instances where juniors will not speak, that consideration has been given to whether they should be let loose. Incidentally, if I were a silk, I would hope the Supreme Court might issue a supplementary practice note asking if Ben Williams KC might relent and let others have a go. In the space of 41 days this year, he has won two appeals outright.
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