News In Focus
28 April 2009
Eight new solicitor advocates introduced at Court of Session
Eight new solicitor advocates are to be introduced at the Court of Session in Edinburgh tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 April).
Former Advocate John Carruthers, who will remain part of Oracle Chambers in Glasgow, will stand alongside solicitors from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow having the right to represent clients in the Court of Session, Scotland’s highest civil court. He will also have the right to appear in criminal cases in the High Court as a solicitor advocate.
The new admissions (see full list below) will bring the total number of solicitor advocates practising civil law, criminal law, or both, in Scotland to 259.
Richard Henderson, President of the Law Society of Scotland, will introduce the candidates to the court.
He said: "Solicitor advocates have an increasingly important role to play within the justice system as highly experienced, qualified and regulated legal professionals who have additional rights to represent their clients in Scotland’s High Courts and the Court of Session.
“There has been much discussion recently over the role of solicitor advocates and the Society is currently pressing for a review to ensure that the system is working for all those who need it. What will be key to any review process of rights of audience is an assurance of continued high standards and client choice.”
The full list is:
High Court and Court of Session
John Carruthers – Oracle Chambers, Glasgow
Court of Session
Margaret Smillie – Bannatyne Kirkwood France, Glasgow
Fiona K Muirs – Balfour & Manson, Edinburgh
Malcolm McKay – Balfour & Manson, Aberdeen
Robert Holland – Balfour & Manson, Edinburgh
Carly L Forrest – Brechin Tindal Oatts, Glasgow
Iain K Clark – Ross Harper Solicitors, Glasgow
Vikki Watt – Brechin Tinda Oatts, Glasgow.
A further five solicitor advocates will be introduced to the court on 6 May.