New Queen’s Counsels Called to the Inner Bar

Chief Justice, the Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla, OJ (3^rd left) receives newly appointed Queen’s Counsels in her chambers after the Calling to the Inner Bar ceremony at the Supreme Court. From left are: Mr. Charles Piper, Q.C., Mrs. Pamela Benka-Coker, Q.C., Mr. Garth McBean, Q.C. and Mr. Patrick Foster Q.C.

Newly appointed Queen’s Counsels Mr. Garth McBean, Q.C. and Mr. Charles Piper, Q.C. being introduced to the courts in session at the Supreme Court, as part of a long standing tradition.

On Thursday July 24, 2014 members of the legal fraternity, family, friends and well wishers gathered in the Chief Justice’s Court Room at the Supreme Court to witness the Calling to the Inner Bar of Mr. Charles Piper and Mr. Garth McBean. Both distinguished attorneys Mr. Piper and Mr. McBean were called to the Inner Bar by Chief Justice the Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla, OJ who presided over the morning ceremony.

Both gentlemen were lauded for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican justice system by many of the island’s eminent legal luminaries including: The Hon Miss. Justice Gloria Smith, CD, Mr. Patrick Atkinson, Q.C. Attorney General, Miss. Paula Llewellyn CD, Q.C. Director of Public Prosecutions and attorney-at-law Mr. Ian Wilkinson, Q.C. immediate past president of the Jamaican Bar Association.

The Calling to the Inner Bar Ceremony is a time honored tradition for members of the legal fraternity who have distinguished themselves in the field and in service to their country. Persons are appointed Queen’s Counsel in Jamaica on the recommendation of several bodies, after which their recommendations are submitted to the Governor General for his assent. These bodies include; The General Legal Council, Queen’s Council Committee, Jamaican Bar Association, Cornwall Bar Association, The Advocates Association of Jamaica.