St John's Alumni Take Silk
In January 2025, His Majesty the King approved the appointment of 105 barristers and solicitors as new King's Counsel (KC) in England and Wales. This title is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy.
Four St John's alumni were appointed to silk: Mr Alex Barden (Fountain Court Chambers), Mr Anton Dudnikov (Essex Court Chambers), Mr Matthew Morrison (Serle Court), and Miss Laura Poots (Pump Court Tax Chambers).
(Left to right): Alex Barden KC, Anton Dudnikov KC, Matthew Morrison KC, Laura Poots KC.
Alex, Anton, Matthew, Laura, and the other 101 appointees were formally conferred at a ceremony in Westminster Hall on 24 March 2025. The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, presided over the ceremony, congratulating the new KCs on their 'momentous achievement'. Alongside recognising the new KCs 'Pro Meritis', the Lord Chancellor also welcomed nine KCs 'Honoris Causa'. The Lord Chancellor's speech can be read in full here.
Congratulations to our alumni appointees!