Solicitor advocate to join KBW

Former Herbert Smith litigation partner and solicitor advocate Julian Wilson is to join 11 King's Bench Walk.

He will join the commercial, public and employment law set in September and begin practising after a two-month pupillage.

Wilson said he had wanted a new challenge and was hoping to specialise in international commercial work at the Bar.

He left Herbert Smith amicably on 31 March after 15 years with the firm - the last seven as a partner.

In 1994 he became a solicitor advocate with higher court rights of audience in civil proceedings. He was also a vocal supporter of extended rights of audience for solicitors.

Wilson will not have to undergo academic training to become a barrister because of his extensive legal experience.

"The joint regulation committee of the Bar has given me an exemption as a special case," he said.

However, Wilson did not know he was to get an exemption until after he had left Herbert Smith.

Joint head of chambers James Goudie QC welcomed Wilson as a valuable addition to 11 King's Bench Walk.