In brief
A consultation on whether solicitors need a separate qualification before being able to appear in the higher courts has been launched by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). At present more than 3,600 solicitors hold a higher courts qualification. Peter Williamson, chair of the SRA, says: “We are asking whether the current restrictions are justified in the interests of the public or the proper administration of justice. Obviously there are many interested parties, including the judiciary, the profession and their clients, so we hope they will all let us know their views.” The consultation is at www.higher-rights.org.uk and runs until 12 April 2007.
