The title of Senior Counsel (postnominalSC; 資深大律師 in Hong KongCantonese[1] (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200404/07/0407184.htm)[2] (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200404/07/0407183.htm); 高级律师 in SingaporeMandarin[3] (http://chineseterms.zaobao.com/gov/gov_agc1.html)[4] (http://mandarin.org.sg/learn_mandarin/government_titles/title_qz.htm)) is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, especially in Commonwealth countries or jurisdictions in which the British monarch is no longer head of state, such as the Republic of Ireland, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hong Kong. It replaces the title Queen's Counsel.
The rank of Senior Counsel has also been introduced in Australian states such as New South Wales, and its introduction is under consideration in New Zealand. The title may even be introduced in the United Kingdom itself, the change of title reflecting appointment by the profession, rather than moves towards republicanism.
Other jurisdictions have adopted similar titles such as Senior Advocate in India, State Counsel in South Africa and Queensland or President's Counsel in Sri Lanka.
