Solicitors get permission to wear wigs

The Government has decided solicitors and other advocates, in addition to barristers, will have the option to wear wigs where they would be worn by members of the bar.

The new practice direction follows a consultation on the issue by the former Department of Constitutional Affairs, now the Ministry of Justice, along with the Lord Chief Justice.

Solicitors will be allowed to don wigs from 2 January. In magistrates’ courts advocates will continue to appear without robes and wigs.

Non-barrister advocates which are silks will be able to wear short wigs and a Queen’s Counsel gown, while junior counsel will also wear short wigs and gowns with bands.

The news comes as the Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips has appointed Lord Justice Gage as the judicial Chair of the Sentencing Commission Working Group. The Working Group has been established as part the Carter reforms.