Consolidated practice directions

Criteria 
4. 
There are four principal criteria for appointment as Senior Counsel, 
namely: 
(a) 
eminence in the practice of law, especially in advocacy; 
(b) 
integrity; 
(c) 
availability; and 
(d) 
independence. 
5. 
Eminence includes: 
(a) 
high intellectual capacity, comprehensive and up to date 
knowledge of the law and procedures in the chosen field of 
practice, and of legal method; and 
(b) 
a demonstrated commitment to the provision of the highest level 
of service and the pursuit of excellence. 
Demonstrated leadership within the profession, including leadership in 
the provision of guidance and advice to more junior practitioners, may 
be taken into account. 

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10. Practitioners 
PD 10.3 
Supreme Court of Western Australia 
Consolidated Practice Direction
6. 
These attributes are likely to be reflected in the appointee having a 
substantial and high quality practice, largely based on demanding cases. 
7. 
Integrity includes: 
(a) 
a history of and reputation for honesty, discretion and plain 
dealing with the courts, professional colleagues, and lay and 
professional clients; 
(b) 
independence of mind and moral courage; 
(c) 
professional standing, namely, having the respect of the judiciary 
and the profession with respect to observing duties to the courts 
and to the administration of justice, while preparing and 
presenting a client's case with dedication and skill, and having 
the trust and confidence of professional colleagues; and 
(d) 
maturity of judgment and balance based on many years practice 
of the law. 
8. 
Availability involves a practitioner adopting a mode of practice which 
ensures that his or her services are available generally to prospective 
clients and are not restricted by client relationships (whether between 
the practitioner and clients or others associated with the practitioner, 
such as partners). 
9. 
Independence is essential to objectivity and detachment which are, in 
turn, fundamental to sound judgment and the observance of duties to 
the courts. Independence has a practical aspect, namely the absence of 
connections which may unduly restrict the availability of a practitioner. 
It also has an intellectual and moral aspect, namely the perception, 
courage and experience to make decisions which serve the best interests 
of the client and the administration of justice. 
10
. 
The interests of the administration of justice will only be served if 
appointees are, and are recognised as, persons of conspicuous ability. 
With the development of a national legal profession in Australia, the 
applicable criteria shall have regard to the highest standards achieved 
and expected to be achieved by counsel in Australia. 

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10. Practitioners 
PD 10.3 
Supreme Court of Western Australia 
Consolidated Practice Direction
11. These criteria are not intended to diminish the overall and fundamental 
requirement that an appointee shall have demonstrated over many years 
outstanding ability as counsel. 
12. A part-time or flexible practice is not a barrier to being appointed Senior 
Counsel. 
13. These criteria apply to all counsel, save that the criterion of availability 
does not apply to those counsel holding statutory offices or otherwise 
employed by the State and its instrumentalities.