Extended rights of audience granted to new solicitor advocates

New solicitor advocates (left to right) Peter Motion, Iain Jane, Brian Cooney, Law Society of Scotland President Murray Etherington, Imran Bashir, Samantha Brown, Elaine Jackson and Peter Barr

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 today.

Law Society of Scotland President Murray Etherington invited Lord Clark to administer the Declaration of Allegiance to the solicitor advocates during today’s ceremony.

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

The new solicitor advocates are:

• Peter Barr from Collins and Co
• Imran Bashir from COPFS
• Samantha Brown from COPFS
• Brian Cooney from Fleming & Reid
• Elaine Jackson from COPFS
• Iain Jane from Iain Jane & Co
• Peter Motion from COPFS

Mr Etherington said: “I’d like to congratulate all our new solicitor advocates on what’s a significant career achievement. Solicitor advocates are a valued part of our profession, and it’s always a privilege for me to be part of these introduction to the Court ceremonies.

“2022 has been a busy year for admitting new solicitor advocates, in what’s an encouraging sign after several years of Covid-19 disruption. These new appointees have shown dedication and hard work to get to this point, after what’s a rigorous process of training, assessment and exams.

Today’s event is the fourth introduction to Court ceremony held for new solicitor advocates in 2022, with a fifth scheduled later this month.