The λ-function in the space of trace class operators

Let $C_1(H)$ denote the space of all trace class operators on an arbitrary complex Hilbert space $H$. We prove that $C_1(H)$ satisfies the $\lambda$-property, and we determine the form of the $\lambda$-function of Aron and Lohman on the closed unit ball of $C_1(H)$ by showing that $$\lambda (a) = \frac{1 - \|a\|_1 + 2 \|a\|_{\infty}}{2},$$ for every $a$ in ${C_1(H)}$ with $\|a\|_1 \leq 1$. This is a non-commutative extension of the formula established by Aron and Lohman for $\ell_1$.