Senior Solicitor Advocate Accreditation Committee

The Senior Solicitor Advocate Accreditation Committee facilitates and administers the Senior Solicitor Advocate Accreditation Scheme which is designed to address a practical issue in the legal aid system, through which the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) can sanction an enhanced payment in respect of 'senior counsel' in criminal legal aid cases. The scheme creates a list of solicitor advocates who have been identified as suitable for enhanced remuneration by SLAB as 'senior'.

The committee considers applications for accreditation and re-accreditation as a 'senior solicitor advocate', providing recommendations to the Law Society's Council. It is comprised of solicitors and lay members, including the President of the Society of Solicitor Advocates (SSA), the Criminal Vice President of the SSA, and a member of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland.

If you would like any further information regarding senior solicitor advocates, or would like to make an application, please contact Sonia Gentile-Mills at soniagentile-mills@lawscot.org.uk

Applications for accreditation

Anyone considering applying for accreditation as a Senior Solicitor Advocate is advised to contact the committee secretary as detailed below.

Senior Solicitor Advocate status

The committee would remind members that accreditation as a Senior Solicitor Advocate is for the sole purpose of enhanced remuneration by SLAB only and is not an alternative to, nor does it confer the rank and dignity of, King's Counsel.

If you would like any further information regarding Senior Solicitor Advocates, please contact committee secretary Sonia Gentile-Mills at soniagentile-mills@lawscot.org.uk