Update on proposed rule change and CPD requirements for Solicitor Advocates
Proposed rule changes which aim to improve the solicitor advocate application process and continuing quality assurance, remain under consideration and accordingly the proposed CPD requirement will not go ahead in the 2018/19 practice year.
The proposed amendments of Rule C4, which would also include the introduction of a requirement for 10 hours of targeted CPD, have yet to be approved by Scottish Government. The proposed amendment rules have been approved by the Lord President and are currently being considered by Scottish Ministers, who have consulted with the Competitions and Markets Authority on their content.
There are a number of providers who offer CPD relevant to practice as a solicitor advocate which you can undertake as part of the current annual CPD requirements.
Background information
The Rights of Audience working party reviewed procedures and standards for solicitor advocates, resulting in the proposed amendment rules to facilitate an improved application process and better continuing quality assurance of solicitor advocates.The working party recommendations, which were shared with members in October 2017, included requiring attendance at a mandatory introductory course prior to making an application for extended rights of audience, sifting of applications prior to acceptance onto the rights of audience course of training and a targeted CPD requirement for those already qualified as solicitor advocates.
If you have any comments or enquiries please contact the Rights of Audience Sub Committee secretary at soniagentile-mills@lawscot.org.uk.