After a slow start, Obiter's competition to find the youngest-ever person to qualify as a solicitor-advocate is taking off. Last week, we reported how Carla MacLeod, a family law specialist from Needham & James, had obtained higher court rights as a mere stripling of 26 years and 97 days - thus beating Bevan Brittan solicitor Hannah Volpe. Alas, her hold on the title has lasted only a week. Adam Tear from White Ryland in Shepherd's Bush, London, says he qualified when he was 26 years and 95 days. But that's not all. Steven Friel from the London office of US firm Debevoise & Plimpton says he became a solicitor-advocate at 25 years and 303 days. 'As a former barrister, my route to solicitor-advocacy was somewhat accelerated, but I'd be happy to claim a crown nonetheless!' Controversial. Obiter has not yet decided whether this should be allowed, and will have to consult the rulebook. By which time, hopefully, another young buck will have put forward some credentials.