Five solicitor advocates are among those to be made Queen’s Counsel in 2018, the Gazette understands.

Lawyers have been informed today that they are to be made QCs next year. The Ministry of Justice and Queen’s Counsel Appointments Website are yet to publish the official list but the Gazette understands five solicitors are included.

It is not known how many barristers have taken silk but various chambers have already begun congratulating their members. The list includes four barristers from Essex Court Chambers and three from Outer Temple Chambers. Nick De Marco of Blackstone Chambers has also been made QC.

The swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed QCs will take place on 26 February 2018 in Westminster Hall.

Last year six solicitors among a list of 113 lawyers were appointed QC - a new record.

They were; Adam Johnson, partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, Freshfields partner Benjamin Juratowitch, Skadden international litigation and arbitration partner David Kavanagh, John Savage, partner at King & Spalding, Michael Young, partner at Quinn Emmanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and Bird & Bird sports lawyer Jonathan Taylor.