Higher rights of audience

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is not to proceed with its plan to introduce a voluntary accreditation scheme for solicitors appearing in the higher courts following opposition from 2/3rd of those whom it consulted, including the Lord Chief Justice, the Master of the Rolls, the Council of HM circuit judges, city solicitors and its own board. The SRA is instead to seek a ‘more streamlined and accessible’ mandatory scheme, involving an initial assessment supported by targeted continuing professional development.