Other Jurisdictions
"Senior Counsel" (in Afrikaans Senior Advokaat) replaced QC in South Africa after the Union became a Republic in 1961, with appointments being made by the State President until 1994, when the office was succeeded by that of President. However, a judge in the High Court in the province of Gauteng ruled that under the 1993 Constitution, the President did not have the power to grant Senior Counsel status.
"Senior Counsel" (Chinese in traditional script: 資深大律師 ) replaced QC in the law of Hong Kong after the transfer of of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997.
"Senior Counsel" (Chinese in simplified script: 高级律师 ) is used in the law of Singapore.
The rank of Senior Counsel has also been introduced in States of Australia, even though the Queen remains head of State.
It was temporarily established in New Zealand from 2007 until 2009. It was abolished by the following Government in favour of restoring the title of Queen's Counsel on the basis of the respect felt accorded to those appointed Queen's Counsel. Those appointed as Senior Counsels have been given the option of becoming Queen's Counsels or remaining as Senior Counsels.
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