An appeals QC barrister is a legal professional very widely used in common law jurisdictions throughout the commonwealth that acts as a representative in court. While they do advise clients and solicitors outside of court, their main tasks involve presenting legal case material in court.
The main difference between barristers and lawyers is the amount of time they spend with clients versus the time spent in court. Lawyers tend to spend most of their time directly working with clients and witnesses to gather and prepare details of a legal case.
Barristers on the other hand spend more time preparing a case to be presented and argued in court in such a way to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. In certain types of cases and courts the use of a barrister is mandatory and essential to ensure best possible representation.
Queens Council
Among barristers there is a distinguished group of professionals who are designated as being particularly eminent in the legal field and are referred to as Queens Council. Entry into this group is based on merit and not just years of experience, and are appointment is made from within the country's legal profession, usually Bar Council.
The monarchical term is adjusted to the present monarch and under the reign of a King reference is made to Kings Council. Members of this council are also advocated the privilege of a seat in the Bar of court for the jurisdiction they are registered in.
Becoming a member is also a very common stepping stone to the appointment as a judge in the judicial system. Most judges started their career as barristers and those in the higher courts most often were members of the Queens Council.
Appeals QC Barristers
Within the court and legal system there is a process by which every defendant is able to appeal a court's decision based on conviction or sentencing. All appeals are heard in front of designated appeals court judges, which ultimately is the last possible way to overturn a judge's decision.
An appeals QC barrister specialises in advising on as well as preparation and presentation of legal cases that have come to the appeals stage. At this late time of a legal case it is vital to have a highly experienced barrister handle the case, and a member of the Queens Council is someone who has been promoted to that position based on merit as viewed by fellow legal professionals.