Barry McElduff sworn in as King’s Counsel
A proud day for the McElduff family on Monday 23rd March, when Barry McElduff was sworn in as King’s Counsel.
Westminster
Barry took his place at the front of Westminster Hall at 11am on Monday 23rd March. Each King’s Counsel is accompanied by their clerk and five guests. The Silks are seated at the front of the Hall with the guests behind and the clerks at the back. At 11am, the Lord Chancellor, David Lammy, arrived in Westminster Hall, in procession, preceded by the Clerk of the Crown. Following some words of welcome the Lord Chancellor invited the King’s Counsel present to make the declaration starting with the first King’s Counsel honoris causa followed then by the King’s Counsel successful in the 2025 competition. Each is called in descending call order by the Clerk of the Crown to take their Oath. Upon having their name called they rise, walk to the microphone on the red carpet, bow to the Lord Chancellor and read aloud the declaration. When the Oath has been taken they receive their Letters Patent of Appointment (the red folder) from the Lord Chancellor and bow. They take a standing position on the south steps by a Doorkeeper. When the last King’s Counsel was called, collected their Letters Patent and taken up position on the south steps, the Lord Chancellor departed Westminster Hall.
Royal Courts of Justice
After a very quick stop in chambers for lunch Barry and his family along with 3 of his clerks (Daren Stephen & John) and the Head of the Criminal Team, Michael Williams headed over to the Royal Courts of Justice to take their places for the bowing in before the Lady Chief Justice. Family and friends get an opportunity to sit in Court 4 at the RCJ to witness this part of the day which makes it all the more special for the Silks involved.
King’s Counsel enter on the left of the court and wait at the end of the Silks’ bench in seniority order until the Lady Chief Justice has made a brief speech and invites them by name to “take your seat within the Bar”.
Each in turn goes to the centre of the bench and bows to the Lady Chief Justice; turns to the left to bow to the next junior Silk (who bows back); turns to the right to bow to the next senior Silk (who bows back); turns to the right again to bow to the Junior Bar before sitting down. The Lady Chief Justice then says “Barry McElduff do you move” The King’s Counsel rises, bows to the Lady Chief Justice and takes up a position at the right-hand end of the Silks’ bench to bow to the next Silk.
Central Criminal Court
Next stop the Central Criminal Court for a further ‘bowing in’ before the Recorder of London, The Common Sergeant and the High Court Judges currently sitting at the Old Bailey
A wonderful day to remember for all concerned and a privilege to be part of.
