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Seven lawyers have become the first in New Zealand to be appointed to a new title that replaces the centuries-old Queen's Counsel (or King's Counsel when the monarch is a man).
The title QC has been replaced with SC - which stands for Senior Counsel - in what has been described as a significant constitutional change.
Current holders can still be called QC but will also be able to use SC if they prefer.
A law change in August also allows lawyers who belong to law firms to be appointed SCs. Before the law change only barristers could be made QCs.
Five lawyers in Auckland and two in Wellington were appointed at ceremonies last week.
Crown Solicitor Simon Moore, Christine Gordon, Murray Gilbert, David Heaney and Jan McCartney were appointed in Auckland and Jack Hodder and former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer in Wellington.
Mr Moore said the honour was a career highlight and one of the most significant events of his life.
"I'd always hoped to have the opportunity but I always assumed it would mean relinquishing my warrant as Crown Solicitor. It's right up there in terms of significant events ... It's a lifetime highlight."
Mr Heaney said he was "extremely pleased to be in the first round of appointments".
