A solicitor advocate is, in basic terms, someone who is fully qualified as a solicitor but has gained the same rights of audience as a barrister by obtaining an extra qualification. This allows them to represent their clients in the following courts:
These are courts in which a barrister would usually be instructed by a solicitor to advocate for their cases. Therefore, the role of a solicitor-advocate is one that neatly brings together the role of a solicitor and a barrister allowing said individual to represent their client in totality the whole way through their case. This consistency is often highlighted as one of the main benefits of obtaining this extra qualification. Solicitor advocates tend to be specialised in litigation in either criminal or civil matters.
To become a solicitor advocate, solicitors are required to obtain a Higher Rights of Audience qualification. This can be civil or criminal focused. If you want to be able to exercise higher rights of audience in both branches, then you will have to carry out two different assessments. These courses usually take a few days and are split into evidence & litigation and advocacy.
Generally, these courses include a written assessment and a practical assessment – including both oral assessments and an advocacy test. Whilst most providers highlight that you do not need any formal training in advocacy to undergo the assessments, these providers also offer such training and highly recommend undertaking it before you attempt the assessments to ensure success.
In order to obtain your qualification in Higher Rights of Audience, you will have to undergo an assessment by a provider accepted as accredited to do so by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. See below for a list of course providers, the locations they offer the course in, start dates and prices.
| Course Details | Provider | Start Date (2020) | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) Civil and Criminal Higher Rights of Audience | BPP Available in London and Manchester. Depending on course start date | March, May, June, September, November (depending on chosen course) | For each start date, you can take and pay for each element separately but for packages: Civil Civil Higher Rights Pack - £1,818 Criminal Criminal Higher Rights Pack - £1,818 |
| Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) Civil and Criminal | University of Law Various locations. | Various Each part of the package has various dates applied to it for the 2020 cycle. | You can take and pay for each element separately but for packages: Civil Training and Assessment: £1794 Criminal Training and Assessment: £1794 |
| Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) Civil and Criminal Available | Kaplan Altior London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff | Depends on course | You can take and pay for each element separately but for the package: £1,475 |
| Higher Rights of Audience Civil Only | CPD Training London | Various in February, May, September and November | For the package: £1,560 |
| Higher Rights of Audience Civil and Criminal Available | City, University of London | Various months throughout the year | Civil Training: £995 Civil Assessment: £495 Criminal Training: £995 Criminal Assessment: £495 |
Words: Alicia Gibson
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