Women and ethnic minority lawyers making the elite professional rank of Queen’s Counsel have slumped in number according to new figures today.

The new selection system aimed at encouraging a more diverse range of lawyers has resulted in fewer solicitors, women and ethnic minorities.

Of 51 women who applied, only 20 were successful, a success rate of 39 per cent.

That compares with 33 awards to women in 2006, the last time the appointments were made, which also saw the highest female success rate on record, at 49 per cent.

But the percentage of women being appointed still remains far higher than for men — supporting the view in some legal circles that it is far easier for a woman to be made a QC.

The success rate for male lawyers was just 28 per cent, the figures show.

Only four ethnic minority lawyers were given the honour — a gateway to status and higher earnings — out of 22 applicants this year, the lowest proportion of the total since 2001 and significantly below the 10 black or Asian lawyers given the title in 2006.

And among solicitors, whom it was hoped the new system would attract, only six applied, half the 2006 total. One, compared with four last time, was successful.

In all, a total of 333 lawyers sought the elite hallmark of the profession compared with 443 in 2006.

Of these, 98 were successful compared with 175, or some 29 per cent of applications, the lowest success rate since 2002 and almost half the 175 or 39.5 per cent awarded last time.

But one reason is that 2006’s figures were unusually high, because it was the first time the awards were made by a new system after a three-year gap.

Second, the high cost of the new system — with a hefty fee first for applying and then if applicants succeed — has deterred all but those who think they have a strong chance.

The awards, made by the Queen, are now judged independently of government by a special committee set up by the legal professions themselves, and then approved by the Queen.

Sir Duncan Nichol, chairman of the QC Selection Panel, said: “These appointments maintain the high standards expected of a silk.

“Each applicant was considered on his or her own merits, regardless of their field of practice or professional background.

“There were no quotas, nor did we give special treatment to particular groups of applicants.

“The list is composed in this way because that is where the evidence led us.”

The shadow Attorney-General, Dominic Grieve was among those awarded QC status today, and said he was “delighted and honoured” to be handed the title.

The rank will be formally conferred at a ceremony in Westminister Hall in March.

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