Queen 's Counsel ( postnominal QC ) , known as King 's Counsel ( postnominal KC ) during the reign of a male sovereign , are jurists appointed by letters patent to be one of Her ( or His ) Majesty 's Counsel learned in the law .
Queen 's Counsel ( postnominal QC ) , during the reign of a male sovereign known as King 's Counsel ( KC ) , are senior lawyers in various Commonwealth countries .