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  4. New solicitor advocates introduced to Court

New solicitor advocates introduced to Court

18th February 2025 | Law Society news , Professional support

The Law Society of Scotland granted extended rights of audience to 11 new solicitor advocates today, joining the 11 who were introduced last week.

In a ceremony held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Tuesday 18 February, Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray invited Lord Ericht to administer the Declaration of Allegiance.

The newly appointed solicitor advocates now have extended rights of audience to appear in the High Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

The new solicitor advocates are:

  • Jennifer Bairner, COPFS
  • Neil Macdonald, BTO Solicitors LLP
  • Sean Maher, COPFS
  • Donna Maitland, McCusker McElroy & Gallanagh Solicitors
  • Fraser Matheson, COPFS
  • Connor Muir, COPFS
  • David Nicholson, Paisley Defence Lawyers (Scotland) Ltd
  • Andrew Seggie, Levy & McRae Solicitors LLP
  • Carrie Stevens, COPFS
  • Hannah Sweeney, COPFS
  • Michael Sweeney, COPFS

Susan Murray said: “I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Law Society of Scotland’s newest group of solicitor advocates for reaching this career milestone, through a combination of hard work and dedication.

“Today marks the second ceremony in under a week, where I have introduced a total of 22 new solicitor advocates to the higher courts in Scotland. It has been a real honour to celebrate their success with them and their proud families.

“I am hugely encouraged to see that demand for the solicitor advocate course remains strong. As you embark on this exciting new chapter, we at the Law Society look forward to supporting you all in the next stage of your legal careers. Congratulations all!”

From L- R: Neil Macdonald, Andrew Seggie, Michael Sweeney, Fraser Matheson, Donna Maitland, Jennifer Bairner, Law Society President Susan Murray, Carrie Stevens, Sean Maher, Connor Muir, Hannah Sweeney and David Nicholson

Becoming a Solicitor Advocate

Solicitor advocates are solicitors who have been granted extended rights of audience before the higher courts in Scotland. 

Read more about Becoming a Solicitor Advocate

Extended rights of audience granted to 11 new solicitor advocates

The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to 11 new solicitor advocates at a ceremony held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Friday, 14 February 2025.

Read more about Extended rights of audience granted to 11 new solicitor advocates
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