Applications for the appointment of Senior Counsel are now open.
The appointment of Senior Counsel (SC) recognises a legal practitioner’s skill, integrity, independence and standing in the profession. Senior Counsel, or Silks as they are colloquially known, are highly regarded advocates and leaders in their fields.
Those who are appointed Senior Counsel have earned the recognition through the diligent performance of their duties to the courts and their clients.
Applications for appointment
Applications for the appointment of Senior Counsel (2025) opened on 7 April. They will remain open until 5pm on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
People admitted to practise as:
- an Australian lawyer
- an officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria
- who practise either exclusively or substantially as Counsel
are eligible to apply to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to be appointed to the office of Senior Counsel.
It is the expectation of the profession and the judiciary that Senior Counsel adhere to the highest standards of legal excellence, integrity and provide outstanding service to the administration of justice.
The appointment of new Senior Counsel will be announced later in the year, following wide consultation with the Victorian Bar, the broader profession, the Legal Services Commissioner and the judiciary.
Further information for applicants is available on the Silks application portal.