WIREDGOV

The Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, Julie James MS, has today announced the renewal of the Panel of Counsel appointed to provide specialist legal advocacy and advisory work for the Welsh Government.

The Panel has been appointed following a published recruitment competition, and comprises 36 Counsel in total.

Three panels have been appointed:

• one consisting of King’s Counsel
• a second panel consisting of Junior Counsel with more than 10 years’ advocacy experience (Junior Counsel A Panel), and
• a third panel comprising Junior Counsel with fewer than 10 years’ advocacy experience (Junior Counsel B Panel).

The panels of Junior Counsel are divided into broad subject categories, with the overall size and complexion of each panel being determined by need.

Panel appointments will be for a period of 5 years, with effect from 1 February 2026.

The Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, Juile James MS said:

I am very pleased to announce these appointments. The competition attracted interest from more than 85 practitioners. I have been particularly encouraged by the level of interest shown and by the quality of the applications received.

I know that the very experienced and talented Counsel who have been successful in being appointed to the Panel will give the Welsh Government access to an independent pool of considerable legal expertise across a wide range of Welsh Government activities.

Having this proven capability to carry out advocacy and advisory work is critical to ensuring that the Welsh Government has the best independent legal advice available to it at all times.