Senior Counsel

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The title of Senior Counsel (postnominal SC; 資深大律師 in Hong Kong [1] [2]; 高级律师 in Singapore [3] [4]) or State Counsel is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, especially in Commonwealth countries or jurisdictions in which the British monarch is no longer head of state, such as Ireland, South Africa, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. It replaces the title Queen's Counsel (or in times with a male sovereign, King's Counsel). Other jurisdictions have adopted similar titles such as Senior Advocate in India [5], President's Counsel in Sri Lanka, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The rank of Senior Counsel has also been introduced in Australia and New Zealand. The title may even be introduced in the United Kingdom itself, the change of title reflecting appointment by the profession, rather than moves towards republicanism.

Senior Counsels may still, however, style themselves as silks, like their British counterparts.