The avalanche to upgrade

Rush for the patent letter at Vic's Bar n Grill ... Surge of SCs with hands-up for queen's bauble ... Monarchist sympathies awakened

Senior Counsel in Victoria According to today's (Friday, Feb. 21) Vic Bar Inbrief about 75 percent of SCs have applied to be rebranded as queens counsel.

Here's the message from bar prez Willy Alstergren SC, hot off the press:

Letters Patent

I would like to thank Denise Bennett for all her hard work in managing the applications by Senior Counsel for letters patent for the title of Queen's Counsel.

There were 120 applications lodged over three days, with more applications to be lodged next week.

The reform promotes the freedom of all Senior Counsel to choose between the titles, and I am sure that personal decision will be respected by members.

Yes - a bit of respect, please.

That's about 75 percent of SCs already applying and the application period remains open till February 27.

The expectation is for a QC take-up rate of over 80 percent. 

Unlike NSW there are no legislative impediments to rolling out letters patent in Queen Victoria's dominion. 

The outcome may well be to dilute the QC brand, while making SCs rare and attractive.