THREE Liverpool barristers “at the top of their profession� have been made QCs.
David Casement and Brian Cummings of Exchange Chambers and Stuart Driver of Atlantic Chambers will be sworn in at the Palace of Westminster in a ceremony on March 28.
Her Majesty the Queen recently appointed 98 new silks nationwide from 333 applications made last year – which means just 29% of the total applicants were successful.
Sir Duncan Nichol, chairman of the QC Selection Panel, said the latest appointments maintain the high standards expected of a silk.
He said: “QCs have always been highly regarded for their forensic and advocacy skills. These appointments maintain the high standards expected of a silk.�
At Exchange Chambers, the appointments take the total number of silks to 15. Mr Casement, a commercial law specialist, and criminal specialist Mr Cummings both have heavyweight practices.
Tom Handley, director of Chambers at Exchange Chambers, said: “We are absolutely delighted for David and Brian. They are both first rate practitioners who have the respect of clients and colleagues alike.�
Stuart Driver, from Atlantic Chambers in Cook Street, specialises in crime and was called to the Bar in 1988 after attending New Heys Comprehensive School, Allerton then graduating from Oxford University. In recent years he has appeared in many high profile cases for both prosecution and defence, including murder, fraud and substantial conspiracy trials.
The Legal 500 describes Stuart Driver as “a marvellous jury advocate�. He also sits as a part-time Crown Court Recorder.
John Benson QC, head of Atlantic Chambers said: “We are all proud and delighted that Stuart Driver has taken silk. The process of selection of Queen’s Counsel follows a rigorous assessment of aptitude and ability and is fiercely competitive. Stuart’s appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his standing and ability as a leading criminal practitioner on this Circuit."
Mr Driver’s clerk Lee Cadwallader, added: “We at Atlantic Chambers congratulate Stuart on his elevation to QC. His appointment confirms a long held view by solicitors and barristers alike that he would without doubt reach the very top of his profession.�