New solicitor advocates introduced

Eight new solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience by our Council have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony at Parliament House today.

The new solicitor advocates have undertaken the rigorous process to be granted rights of audience which includes a detailed course of training and assessment and exams – they 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:

• Ross Fairweather from Clyde & Co LLP
• David Ford from Brodies LLP
• Michael McLean from Jones Whyte LLP
• Rhona McLean from Revenue Scotland
• Fiona McLeod from Brodies LLP
• Eilidh Meikle from the Civil Legal Assistance Office
• David Nelson from Kennedys Law LLP
• Garry Sutherland from Macnabs LLP

There has been an increased number of new solicitor advocates this year following a lull during the pandemic, with more than 20 solicitor advocates introduced to the Court so far in 2022.

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

Mr Etherington said: “This is a special occasion, recognising the dedication and hard work that our new solicitor advocates have put in to reach this point. We will continue to offer guidance and support as they embark on this next stage of their legal careers.

“Today is my first Introduction to Court ceremony as Law Society President, and it was a privilege to be part of such a special occasion. The courts are not part of my own legal work, but I admire the skills and dedication of my solicitor advocate colleagues.

“The number of new solicitor advocates has fluctuated over recent years, so it’s encouraging to see such high numbers admitted this year. Indeed, it’s been an eventful year for solicitor advocates generally, given Lord John Scott’s appointment as senator to the College of Justice.

“Returning to in-person ceremonies is a great outcome for our new solicitor advocates. I am particularly pleased that this ceremony is the first since the pandemic began to allow some family members to attend the ceremony and to join in celebrating the solicitor advocates’ success.”