SRA Handbook

Qualifications to exercise extended rights of audience

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Version 21 of the Handbook was published on 06/12/2018. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Regulation 3: Qualifications to exercise extended rights of audience

3.1

If you meet the requirements of these regulations, we may grant one or both of the following qualifications:

(a)

Higher Courts (Civil Advocacy) Qualification which entitles the solicitor or REL to exercise rights of audience in all civil proceedings in the higher courts, including judicial review proceedings in any court arising from any criminal cause;

(b)

Higher Courts (Criminal Advocacy) Qualification which, subject to the SRA QASA Regulations in relation to criminal advocacy, entitles the solicitor or REL to exercise rights of audience in all criminal proceedings in the higher courts and judicial review proceedings in any court arising from any criminal cause.

3.2

If you have been granted a higher courts qualification by the Law Society or us under the previous regulations, you shall be deemed to have been granted the equivalent qualification or qualifications under regulation 3.1 above.

Guidance note

(i)

If you have been granted a higher courts advocacy qualification under previous regulations, you are not required to re-apply under these regulations.

(ii)

You may not undertake criminal advocacy unless accredited to do so in accordance with the SRA QASA Regulations.