what is a silk in law

In the legal profession, a silk lawyer is a senior barrister or advocate in Scotland who has been selected for their knowledge and experience. They are also known as Queens Counsel (QC) and are appointed by the Queen to be one of "Her Majestys Counsel Learned in The Law". The title "silk lawyer" originates from the silk gowns that KCs wear in court, which distinguishes them from junior barristers who wear wool gowns. The award of Queens Counsel is known informally as taking silk, and hence QCs are often colloquially called silks. Becoming a silk lawyer is a long and challenging process that requires a high level of skill and experience. Silk lawyers are expected to be leaders in their field and are often called upon to mentor and train junior lawyers. They are also expected to participate in the development of the legal profession, serving on committees and professional bodies, and contributing to the development of new legal policies and practices.