Queen's Counsel
![A 1903 caricature of Robert McCall KC (formerly QC) wearing his court robes at the Bar of England and Wales. For court, he wears a short wig, and bands instead of lace at the collar, but he retains the silk gown and court tailcoat worn on ceremonial occasions.](/Images/godic/202501/02/QC_Court_robes_crop1924.jpg")
Queen's Counsel (postnominal QC), or King's Counsel (postnominal KC) during the reign of a king, are particularly eminent lawyers, mostly barristers, appointed by letters patent to be one of "Her Majesty's Counsel learned in the law." It is also recognised as an honorific. Membership exists in various Commonwealth jurisdictions around the world, while in some other jurisdictions the name has been replaced by one without monarchical connotations, such as "Senior Counsel" or "Senior Advocate". Queen's Counsel is a status, conferred by the Crown, that is recognised by courts. Members have the privilege of sitting within the Bar of court.