SYLA pilots scheme to increase court hearing experience

A pilot scheme to enable trainee and newly qualified solicitors to watch more court advocacy conducted by Webex has been set up by the Scottish Young Lawyers' Association, with the co-operation of Mhairi Stephen QC, Sheriff Principal of Lothian & Borders.

It follows concerns over the impact that the switch from in-person hearings to the use of Webex has had on the personal and professional development of junior lawyers, who as a result are not getting as much exposure to oral court advocacy as they otherwise would have. The pilot project will allow junior lawyers to observe procedural hearings, even when they and their firm have no involvement. 

Under the scheme a new mailing list will provide links to procedural business in Edinburgh Sheriff Court, including the All-Scotland Personal Injury Court and ordinary business. 

From the week beginning 11 April, those signed up to the scheme will receive regular emails with links to Webex hearings. The emails will contain "rules" for participation, including not sharing the link and remaining muted with camera off at all times during the hearing. The pilot will be monitored to review its effectiveness.

SYLA hopes the project will go some way toward providing more advocacy experience for junior lawyers, and welcomes feedback as it progresses in order that improvements can be made. 

To sign up to the list, please email mail@syla.co.uk from your work email address. You will be sent a link to sign up.