King's Counsel Round 2026

Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop announced today that an appointment round for King’s Counsel will take place in 2026.

Applications for appointment as King’s Counsel open on 25 May 2026. Applicants must use the application form which should be sent electronically to the Crown Law Office no later than 22 June 2026. It is expected appointments will be made in October 2026.

The Guidelines (and an application form) are available HERE and set out the criteria for appointment and other information about the appointment process.

King’s Counsel are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General and with the concurrence of the Chief Justice.

The Attorney-General noted that “The Solicitor-General will consult with the New Zealand Law Society and the New Zealand Bar Association regarding the candidates. This is important input into final decisions that I recommend to the Governor-General. I value the input of the profession into these appointments.”

As the New Zealand Law Society and the | Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o Te Ture are organisations that are formally consulted, it is not appropriate to make direct approaches to the presidents (or those leading the organisations’ consultations), this includes lobbying on behalf of yourself or others, seeking guidance or asking to be referees.

Likewise, it is not appropriate to contact the Solicitor-General, Attorney-General or members of the bench directly regarding your application.  

As stated in the guidelines, members of the judiciary cannot be referees.