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Oxbridge, London and Y chromosome remain keys to QC success
Male Oxbridge-educated barristers from London-based chambers are still the most likely to become QCs, according to research published by the London School of Economics. This is despite major reforms introduced in 2004 to the appointments system designed to make it more transparent.
The study was based on an analysis of the careers of 11,453 barristers in 138 chambers between 1981 and 2011, and was carried out by Dr Michael Blackwell, assistant professor of law. Blackwell concludes that despite the reforms, women and non-Oxbridge-educated barristers continue to be disadvantaged in the QC selection process.