RIGHTS OF AUDIENCE

The profession supports not restricting solicitors' rights of audience in the lower courts which would limit the right to undertake full trials or witness handling, according to responses to the SRA's advocacy standards consultation. The regulator's analysis of responses also showed broad support for proposals to develop additional resources for solicitors undertaking advocacy; introducing revised higher rights of audience (HRA) standards; and to require HRA assessment to be taken post admission. The SRA will take into account respondents' suggestions for further analysis of the impact of its proposals on small and BAME-owned firms; further evidence around concerns about poor standards of civil advocacy and that the regulator's impact assessment should reflect the changing landscape of legal aid funding. It plans to publish its response and next steps later in the year. 20 March