Pictured above: (l-r) Richard Atkins QC, Alistair MacDonald
QC and Francis Laird QC
Three leading Barristers from St Philips Chambers in Birmingham
were honoured with the highest legal accolade as they were
officially sworn in as Queen's Counsel at the Palace of
Westminster.
Francis Laird QC, Richard Atkins QC and Alistair MacDonald QC
attended the official and very traditional swearing in ceremony
before the Lord Chancellor in London on 13th April.
Francis Laird QC and Richard Atkins QC were called to the Bar in
1986 and 1989 respectively and are both leading criminal
practitioners on the Midlands Circuit and beyond. They have
extensive experience in prosecuting and defending cases involving
murder, manslaughter, serious sexual crimes, fraud and regulatory
offences. Both sit as Recorders of the Crown Court.
Alistair MacDonald QC, who was called to the Bar in 1995, is one
of the youngest QC's to be appointed this year. He specialises
exclusively in the law relating to children, concentrating on
complex public law cases in the High Court. As an
acknowledged expert on children's rights, Alistair has recently
published a major new work in this area of law, entitled The Rights
of the Child - Law and Practice, which provides comprehensive
guidance to practitioners. Alistair also sits as a Recorder
in the County Court.
James Burbridge QC, Head of St Philips Chambers said: "We are
very proud to announce the appointment of three new QC's at St
Philips. Richard and Francis will further increase the already
formidable expertise within the criminal group at St Philips and
their appointment will help continue to drive the group
forward.
"Alistair is already established as a leading expert in his
field. This is a truly well deserved honour and reflection of
his ability and commitment to be appointed as Queen's Counsel.
This news is also welcomed by the family group as he will be
the first Family QC at St Philips for some years.
"All three Barristers will relish this opportunity to expand
their expertise within their field and develop in their new role as
Queens Counsel. "