Dec 15 – Queen’s Counsel Ceremony

Written by YGTV Team on 15 December 2016.

Two lawyers officially became Queen’s Counsel today at a declaration ceremony.

Friends, family and guests, including the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, His Excellency the Governer Lt Gen Edward Davis and His Worship the Mayor attended the ceremony in the law courts this morning as Daniel Feetham and Guy Stagnetto took their declaration.

Louis Triay spoke on behalf of the QCs on the Rock, saying this was a badge of excellence and welcomed them to the inner circle.

Mr Stagnetto, who spoke on behalf of the new silks, said they were both honoured to be considered worthy of this accolade, saying it is a proud day for them, their friends and their respective families. He said his late father, Guy Stagnetto Sr QC, would be proud of this day.

Mr Stagnetto recalled being the 89th lawyer to be called to the Bar in 1993, whereas there are now more than 220 lawyers who are members of the Bar Council in Gibraltar.

Entry to the QC club is tough and nominees have to be of the highest standard and reputation, with fifteen years experience since their call to the bar, and they need to display competence in litigation.

Mr Stagnetto specialises in litigation and construction work and has helped the Government of Gibraltar with the airport tunnel contract. Mr Feetham, who is also the Leader of the Opposition, was a former Minister for Justice when in Government and helped put through the Children’s Act, the Crimes Act, the Criminal Procedure Act and the Insolvency Act.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said he understood the need for UK QCs in specialist cases, but called for more reliance on Gibraltar QCs. He acknowledged Gibraltar had a very diverse legal profession, but questioned the purpose of an increasing number of silks if legal service consumers continue to use UK QCs.

The Chief Justice added that today was a day tinged with sadness for Mr Stagnetto, but he can now wear his late father’s full-bottomed wig. He added that it was more than 30 years ago he was sat in the same A-Level history class as Mr Feetham, Chairman of the Bar Council Keith Azopardi QC and the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, adding that although there were many stories he could tell, he chooses silence.

He concluded: “All that is left for me to say is to congratulate you both on your appointment and welcome you to the inner bar.”

Following the ceremony, a drinks reception was held at the Convent by Lt Gen Davis for friends, families and guests of the new silks.

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