He is one of just 109 nationwide, and was among 26 appointed recently by Attorney-general Christopher Finlayson in the first round of QC appointments since 2007.
Mr Shiels' appointment was the first in Otago since Dr Somerville's 15 years ago.
''People ask if this is the pinnacle of my career, but I hope it's not all downhill from here. It is certainly a highlight,'' Mr Shiels (60) said yesterday.
He was admitted to the Bar in 1976 after graduating with a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Otago.
He became a barrister in 1991.
Born in Dunedin, he attended Otago Boys' High School and has spent his 37-year career practising in the city, mainly in civil litigation.
''I've always enjoyed being in court and arguing cases, and I'm not quite sure why I ended up doing civil. Perhaps I didn't especially enjoy criminal and family cases with emotional issues as well as legal ones, and preferred to just deal with legal issues.''
After working at Paterson Lang for 17 years - 13 as partner - he established Ten George Chambers in Burns House.
A friend suggested he apply for appointment as Queen's Counsel, so Mr Shiels did so in March.
He said it was a ''great achievement and great honour'' to be recognised by colleagues and legal authorities nationwide.
Congratulations came from throughout the country, and included a ''lovely'' letter from Justice Robert Chambers, who died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
Mr Shiels said QC status was decided on a case-by-case basis and was for ''very experienced'' court lawyers.
''It is a recognition of high quality and integrity, not necessarily how many hours you've spent in court or the number of cases you've won.''
It will not change the nature of his work in the short term, although he might take on more complex cases and more from outside Otago.
''At the moment, I'm enjoying the accolade and the experience. I expect to be in Dunedin practising law for quite a few years yet.''
A High Court ceremony will be held in Dunedin, at a date yet to be confirmed, to celebrate Mr Shiels' appointment.
