The Higher Rights Development Route

The College of Law is an approved trainer and accredited assessor for the Development Route

The SRA is currently conducting a consultation process on rights of audience in the Higher Courts. However, it has recently confirmed (09/08) that those solicitors wishing to exercise such rights of audience will still, post consultation, require a mandatory qualification to do so. Please contact the SRA on 0870 606 2555 if you have any queries.

This programme consists of an Academic Stage with a written assessment and an Advocacy Stage with an advocacy assessment. It is strongly recommended that the Academic Stage is completed before the Advocacy Stage.

Stage 1: The Academic Stage

This element is made up of three days of face-to-face tuition and a day of distance-learning. During this stage you will study procedure, evidence and ethics applicable to the higher civil and criminal courts. The face-to-face part of the course is highly engaging and interactive.

The programme covers the following topics:

  • case analysis and theory
  • drafting a statement of case
  • proof and evidence
  • hearsay
  • character evidence
  • sentencing
  • Human Rights Act
  • drafting witness statements
  • introduction to the process of appeals
  • alternative dispute resolution

At the end of this stage you will need to complete a written examination that covers specialist and non-specialist areas of practice. This assessment lasts for two hours with fifteen minutes reading time.

Stage 2: The Advocacy Stage

This stage involves three days of face-to-face tuition. It’s a highly interactive course, developed around the principles of ‘learning by doing’.

This programme covers the following topics:

  • preparation of trial strategy plan
  • opening and final speeches
  • evidence in chief
  • cross-examination and re-examination
  • handling expert witnesses
  • submissions on the Law

At the end of this stage you will need to pass an advocacy assessment. As part of the assessment you’ll be asked to prepare a trial strategy based on a case study. The same case study is used for a series of additional exercises including cross examination and making legal submissions.

Stage 3: 12 Months Of Relevant Experience

Recorded and signed off by a mentor.