SOLICITOR ADVOCACY

New measures to ensure high levels of advocacy among solicitors are due from early next year. Following a 2019 consultation, the SRA said it will change how higher rights of audience (HRA) assessments operate following 'persistent but largely anecdotal' concerns. Changes will include a revised criminal and civil HRA standards; requiring HRA assessments to be taken after admission; and introducing a single HRA assessment provider (after summer 2022). The SRA also announced measures to ensure ongoing competency such as encouraging the reporting of concerns about advocacy standards. 28 July 2020