Assembly’s first Chief Legal Adviser appointed Honorary Queen’s Counsel
17 March 2014
The former Chief Legal Adviser of the National Assembly for Wales, Keith Bush, has been appointed as Queen’s Counsel Honoris Causa (Honorary Queen’s Counsel).
He is one of only six lawyers to be made Honorary Queen’s Counsel this year in recognition of his pioneering contribution to the law of England and Wales outside of practice in the courts.
“I am honoured to receive this appointment,” said Mr Bush.
“It was a privilege to work as Chief Legal Adviser to the National Assembly for Wales where I had the opportunity to help the Assembly’s successful transition into an innovative and effective law-making body.”
The National Assembly’s Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM, said: “The reputation of the Assembly for legislative excellence and constitutional maturity is, to a significant degree, a reflection of Keith Bush’s professionalism and leadership.
“As Presiding Officer, I found his legal advice invaluable, allowing me to navigate the intricacies of constitutional law.
“Under his stewardship the Assembly was able to hit the ground running in terms of utilising the enhanced legislative powers conferred on the institution following the ‘yes’ vote in the 2011 referendum.”
Keith was called to the Bar in July 1977. He left independent practice in order to join the legal service of the Welsh Government in 1999, before going on to serve as first Chief Legal Adviser to the National Assembly for Wales between 2007 and 2012.
He is currently an Honorary Research Fellow and lecturer in Legislation studies at Swansea University. He is also Director of the Legal Wales Foundation and organiser of the prestigious annual Legal Wales Conference.
He was recommended for his contribution to the development of the National Assembly for Wales as a legislature, as well as contributing to the development of devolved law and to the discussion and study of wider Welsh legal issues.
He has taken a lead role in communicating to the judiciary, lawyers, academics, students and the general public, through the medium of both the English and Welsh languages, authoritative information about the legal aspects of devolved law and government in Wales.
Claire Clancy, Chief Executive and Clerk of the National Assembly, said: “Keith was always a source of intellectually robust advice on issues that emerged as the Assembly developed into a full law-making institution.
“He offered a unique understanding of the constitutional settlement in Wales and has played a leading role in developing and shaping the devolution process.
“It was clear that Keith is committed to making the National Assembly work for the people of Wales and he has quite rightly received recognition for his contribution by the awarding on an Honorary QC.”
