The attorney general has appointed six senior barristers to a new group of King’s Counsels who help coordinate government’s most significant litigation.
The newly-created Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group will act on behalf of government in significant cases. They will play a key role in monitoring and guiding the strategic management of high-profile civil litigation and cross-cutting legal issues.
Jonathan Crow KC, Marie Demetriou KC, Kate Grange KC, Tim Otty KC, Jason Pobjoy KC and Julia Smyth KC have been appointed to the STCG.
The group will share responsibility with the first Treasury counsel, Sir James Eadie KC, in coordinating and providing strategic direction on the most significant litigation affecting the government, shaping the way the government handles its litigation and, consequently, influencing the development of civil law.
Known as the ‘Treasury Devil’, the FTC is the KC to whom the government turns first for major pieces of advice and litigation and advises government across the entire range of its activity – from terrorism to tax.
The FTC will remain the government's most senior advocate, but members of the STCG will be instructed on matters that may previously have been reserved for the FTC.
The six silks will also provide legal leadership to the attorney general’s Civil Panel Counsel, champion diversity in the profession and support junior counsel to develop their careers.
The creation of the STCG was announced by the attorney general, Richard Hermer, in June following a review of the existing operating model.
Lord Hermer also announced proposed changes to the role of the FTC which would include relaxing the current requirement that the postholder works exclusively for government. Under the proposals, the FTC would have a commitment to ensuring government work makes up around 50% of their practice.
Hermer said: “External counsel work on some of the most complex and sensitive legal issues of the day. Their expertise and skill play a vital role helping this government deliver its mission to enable growth, protect our communities and deliver change for all.
“The six appointed are an extremely experienced and talented set of barristers, and their expert legal counsel and leadership will ensure the government can deliver for the British people effectively and efficiently.”
Susanna McGibbon, the Treasury solicitor and Government Legal Department permanent secretary, added: “As the government’s principal legal advisers, GLD handles thousands of litigation cases and advises on a wide range of legal issues in support of government priorities at any given time. From national security to international law and planning to immigration, we value the support of experienced external counsel.
“Establishing this group to work alongside the government legal profession will allow for greater resilience and strategic oversight – ensuring efficiency in how external counsel are used – and I look forward to working closely with them in responding to the legal challenges faced by government.”