Earl

The rank of Earl is the highest to which a member of the Ministry Council can rise without becoming Grand Moff. Earls are the "model officers" of the Directorate, and the advice of an Earl holds great sway over all matters in the Directorate.The title of "Earl", once granted, may be displayed by a member forever with extreme pride, as befitting a rank given to so few. The officers who hold this position will be remembered with awe for as long as the Emperor's Hammer exists. Earls are granted the honor of representing a specific location in the Emperor's Hammer Territories, and are granted use of the honorific "Lord" or "Lady" to be used before their names:

Minister of State, Lord John Doe, Earl of Phare
Minister of State, Lady Jane Doe, Countess of Phare