The 2026 Competition
Applications for the 2026 KC Competition are now open and will close on 24 April 2026 at 5pm.
KCA has launched a new application system for the 2026 competition. Although the system has been thoroughly tested, we recommend registering as early as possible and avoiding submission in the final few days before the deadline. This will ensure we have time to assist you if you experience any issues.
To access your account, you will need to complete multi-factor authentication using an authenticator app on your device. Further guidance on logging in and using the new system features can be found in the links below.
Click here to register.
Further information:
FAQ and Mythbusting
The award of King’s Counsel is for excellence in advocacy in the higher courts. It is made to advocates who have rights of audience in the higher courts of England and Wales and have demonstrated the competencies in the Competency Framework to a standard of excellence.
King’s Counsel are appointed from amongst practising advocates – both barristers and solicitors. They are appointed because they have demonstrated excellence in advocacy in difficult cases in the higher courts of England and Wales, or in tribunals or arbitrations.
More information about barristers can be found at barcouncil.org.uk, and about solicitors at lawsociety.org.uk.
The King’s Counsel Selection Panel is responsible for recommendations to the Lord Chancellor on appointment of King’s Counsel. However, King’s Counsel Appointments does not deal with complaints about KCs. Those are dealt with by the Legal Ombudsman; or by the Bar Standards Board for barristers or the Solicitors Regulations Authority for solicitor KCs.