Ceremony celebrates new solicitor advocates in 30th anniversary year

The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to seven solicitors, with the new solicitor advocates introduced to the Court in a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

The ceremony yesterday held extra significance, as 2023 marks 30 years since the first solicitor advocates were appointed in Scotland.

Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster invited Lord Fairley to administer the Declaration of Allegiance to the solicitor advocates during Monday's ceremony.

The newly appointed solicitor advocates now have extended rights of audience to appear in the Court of Session, the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

The new solicitor advocates are:

• Patrick Campbell Corcoran from Addleshaw Goddard
• Alastair Houston from Brown & Co Legal LLP
• Alastair Johnston from Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP
• Jillian Merchant from Thompsons Solicitors LLP
• Jane Rattray from Ledingham Chalmers LLP
• Paman Singh Sumal from Weightmans Ltd
• Michael Vaughan from Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP

Sheila Webster said: “This year marks 30 years since the first solicitor advocates were admitted in Scotland, so I’m especially honoured to be part of this ceremony to introduce our newest solicitor advocates to the Court.

“This cohort have gone through a rigorous process of training, assessment and exams to get to this point. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this prestigious achievement and the hard work and dedication that’s led them to join a highly valued part of our profession.”