We have launched a dedicated Advocacy Section to provide solicitor advocates with mentoring, training and networking opportunities at circuit and national level. It has been developed for the 5,200 solicitors who have qualified as higher court advocates in either criminal or civil jurisdictions. Members will benefit from a range of support and networking opportunities.
The new service will equip solicitors with the necessary skills and confidence to appear in the courts and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The needs of criminal solicitor advocates are currently most acute and the section will focus on this sector in the first half of 2012 to help solicitor advocates prepare for the introduction of the new Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) assessment regime. The service will also cater for the needs of advocates at the magistrates' and county court levels and for civil, family and children advocates.
In his speech at the London launch event, Law Society president John Wotton said:
'We are committed to working with solicitor advocates to ensure that they are equipped and prepared to face the future with the confidence that they deserve. Central to this belief is our responsibility to ensure that solicitor advocates receive the necessary robust advocacy training and continuing professional development'.
Mike Kennedy, chief operating officer at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told the Law Society:
'When new recruits and advocates join the CPS I tell them: be confident without being arrogant; transparent and open but frank; to prepare well and take advice but not to prevaricate, and to be vigorous and robust but also be fair.
'High quality advocates bring not only greater efficiency and effectiveness, but also better justice.
'I congratulate the Law Society on its initiative to establish a new section for solicitor advocates. CPS solicitors will be able draw considerable benefits from it including training, mentoring and networks, which will provide valuable insights for prosecutors. I wish the new section every success.'
Member benefits and how to join
The new section will provide regional networking events, webinars, a quarterly e-alert offering news and updates, exclusive CPD training and events, including regional residential advocacy training weekends, and more.
View the full benefits and apply to join
Free launch events - places still available
Spaces are still available for some of our free launch events. Book today to avoid disappointment:
- Monday 6 February - Newcastle - limited spaces
- Wednesday 15 February - Bristol
- Thursday 23 February - Cambridge
- Thursday 8 March - Cardiff
www.lawsociety.org.uk/advocacy