The higher rights of audience qualification is a compulsory requirement for any solicitor or REL wishing to exercise rights of audience in the higher courts.  The statutory requirements are set down in the Higher Rights of Audience Regulations [2009]. Under the [2009] regulations, any solicitor or REL wishing to exercise rights of audience in the higher courts must pass a compulsory advocacy assessment in order to gain the qualification.  Assessments must be provided by organisations that have been authorised specifically for that purpose by the SRA. The [2009] regulations do not include any mandatory training requirements.  Delegates are free to undertake preparatory training courses if you choose to do so and the School does provide such courses via CrimeLine.

All solicitors and RELs wishing to be awarded the HRA Qualification will be assessed against the Higher Rights of Audience Standards which are included in full in our Candidate Handbook. The Statement of Standards identifies the skills and knowledge expected of all solicitor higher court advocates.  It includes generic standards in evidence, ethics and advocacy as well as standards specific to civil and criminal proceedings.  Pervasive equality and diversity standards are also included and in satisfying the standards, candidates need to comply with the relevant legislation and procedures in force at the time.

Course Director, Andrew Clemes

A.J.Clemes@swansea.ac.uk or 01792 602 251

Course Co-ordinator, Sarah Holtom

s.holtom@swansea.ac.uk or 01792 295 119

Visit also the Higher Rights of Audience website - www.hraswansea.ac.uk