Property and planning bar welcomes QC selections

The Queen’s Counsel selection panel has handed silk to 129 barristers, with a number of selections from the property and planning bar. Those handed silk include Philip Rainey of Tanfield Chambers, Zia Bhaloo of Enterprise Chambers, Katharine Holland and John Litton of Landmark Chambers, Tom Leech of Maitland Chambers, Joanne Wicks of Wilberforce Chambers, Christopher Stoner of Serle Court and Daniel Stilitz and Jonathan Swift of 11 KBW. Commenting on the appointment of Philip Rainey, Kevin Moore senior clerk at Tanfield Chambers said: “Tanfield Chambers is delighted with this excellent news; it is thoroughly well deserved and caps a fantastic year for Philip following his success in winning both Enfranchisement Barrister of the Year and Real Estate Junior of the Year at the Chambers Bar Awards” In 2004, the Law Society and Bar Council overhauled how QCs were selected by putting in place an independent body made up of four non-lawyers, two solicitors, two barristers and a retired judge. This came after the process was criticised for being too lengthy, costly and shrouded in secrecy. The Lord Chancellor will preside over the appointment ceremony, where the rank will formally be bestowed at Westminster Hall on 22 March.