Chambers congratulates Bilal Rawat on his appointment as King’s Counsel

Chambers extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bilal Rawat, who was officially appointed as King’s Counsel today. The Lord Chancellor presided over the appointment ceremony at Westminster Hall, where 105 barristers were formally bestowed with the prestigious title.

The title of King’s Counsel is awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. It is conferred on barristers who have rights of audience in the higher courts of England and Wales who have met the high standards set out in the Competency Framework. The King’s Counsel Selection Panel is responsible for recommending individuals to the Lord Chancellor for appointment as King’s Counsel.

Bilal’s practice spans a wide range of areas, including public law, inquests and inquiries, national security, police law, and personal injury. He was called to the Bar in 1995 by Middle Temple and joined 5 Essex Chambers in 2018. He was appointed to the Attorney General’s B Panel in 2010, the Attorney General’s A Panel in 2015, and his reappointment to the A Panel in 2022. He has been a member of the Attorney General’s Panel of Special Advocates.

Since joining 5 Essex, Bilal has been involved in several high-profile cases including:

• The Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
• The Inquests into the deaths resulting from the Forbury Gardens Terrorist Attack.
• The British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry, investigating corruption among public officials.

Bilal is currently leading a team of counsel representing the United Kingdom Health Security Agency in the ongoing Covid-19 Inquiry.

Reflecting on a memorable day spent between Chambers, Westminster Hall and the Royal Courts of Justice, Bilal commented: “This has been an unforgettable day made more special by my being able to share it with family, friends and colleagues. I have so many people to thank for the support and kindness they have shown to me over the course of my career. It’s an exciting time to be in these Chambers and, as I move into the next stage of my career, I look forward to playing my part in our continued success.”

Head of Chambers, Jason Beer KC said: “We are all very proud that Bilal has been elevated to King’s Counsel. Bilal’s talents as a civil and public lawyer, and as an advocate, have been plain to see to all of us that have shared a court or inquiry hearing room with Bilal. I look forward to seeing him deploy those same skills in silk, as he develops what will doubtless be a stellar practice.”

Bilal’s full profile can be viewed here.