A solicitor advocate is a solicitor who has received further training to be able to represent their clients in all Scottish courts, thereby obtaining higher rights of audience. Most solicitors can only appear in certain Scottish courts. Solicitor Advocates will most regularly appear in the most serious cases either in the High Court of Justiciary or in the Court of Session.
Solicitor advocates are solicitors who have been granted extended rights of audience before Scotland’s superior courts (the Court of Session in civil cases and the High Court of Justiciary in criminal cases), as well as the Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
This implies they can represent clients in Scottish and the UK’s higher courts alongside barristers and advocates.
What do Solicitor Advocates do?
Unlike barristers and advocates, solicitor advocates provide more than simply court-related services, often undertaking comprehensive legal work. They are generally part of a law firm and have a helpful staff behind them, often including experts in specific areas of law. They manage the case from beginning to end, including developing a connection with the client, conducting all essential investigations, being involved in all aspects, preparing all documentation, and presenting in court.
Who Regulates Solicitor Advocates?
The Law Society of Scotland regulates solicitor advocates, just as it does solicitors, ensuring that all meet the necessary qualification standards. They must not only meet the broad standards required of all lawyers, but also follow norms of behaviour unique to solicitor advocates. A solicitor advocate must adhere to specific ethical guidelines beyond general legal standards. They must also carry out additional hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year.
The Benefits in Instructing a Solicitor Advocate
Solicitor advocates are first and foremost solicitors, which means they have received broad court training, they have audience rights to appear in lower courts, and experience working in a variety of legal subjects. Most would have previous experience dealing with clients and cases before opting to concentrate on advocacy and appearing in the most serious cases. After acquiring years of court experience, solicitors may apply to undertake additional training and exams to become a Solicitor Advocate. If successful, the solicitor will be granted extended rights (powers), allowing them to represent clients in some of Scotland’s and the United Kingdom’s top courts, thanks to their additional qualification.
Choosing a Solicitor Advocate for your legal needs offers several advantages:
- Continuity of Service: From initial consultation through to court representation, a Solicitor Advocate provides seamless service, ensuring all aspects of your case are handled consistently.
- Expert Advocacy Skills: Solicitor Advocates are trained in advanced advocacy, equipping them to present your case compellingly and effectively in higher courts.
- Comprehensive Legal Knowledge: They combine the broad knowledge of a solicitor with the specialised skills of an advocate, offering a well-rounded approach to legal representation.
- Client Relationship: A solicitor advocate must maintain a strong client relationship while navigating various areas of law. Solicitor Advocates maintain a direct relationship with their clients, ensuring personalised service and a deeper understanding of your case.
If you feel your case would benefit by instruction of a Solicitor Advocate please discuss this during your initial consultation and we will make arrangements for a meeting with Ross Yuill or Paul Mullen.
Instruction of our Solicitor Advocates by external firms.
Both Ross Yuill and Paul Mullen can be instructed by external firms to represent clients in the High Court of Justiciary. We are happy to consult with solicitors and clients in person or by video call anywhere in Scotland.
FAQs
- What makes a Solicitor Advocate different from a solicitor?
- A Solicitor Advocate has additional rights to represent clients in higher courts, unlike a regular solicitor who typically works in lower courts. They are specialists and have undertaken additional advocacy training.
- How do I know if I need a Solicitor Advocate?
- If your case is likely to go to a higher court, a Solicitor Advocate’s expertise will be invaluable. This would normally mean you are facing a case at the High Court of Justiciary.
- Can a Solicitor Advocate handle all types of legal cases? They typically specialise in specific areas of law.
- While they are highly skilled, Solicitor Advocates they typically specialise in specific areas of law such as criminal defence or civil litigation.
