Consultation Response: Solicitor Advocates

The Law Society issued a consultation in April 2017 on a draft regulatory impact assessment relating to the instruction, qualification and conduct of authorised solicitors in the Higher Courts. The Bar previously responded to the consultation on this matter conducted in 2013 which included the Society’s draft Regulations to facilitate the extension of rights of audience in the Higher Courts to authorised solicitors and a draft Code of Conduct.

The Bar’s response to the 2017 consultation highlights that the existing model for the delivery of legal services, whereby members of the public have direct and unrestricted access to a wide network of local solicitors who in turn have access to the independent referral Bar for advocacy or specialist advice, is best suited to the needs of this jurisdiction.

Read the Bar’s response to the consultation.