The Law Society has issued a reminder to solicitors that, although there are currently three different routes by which solicitors may acquire rights of audience in the higher courts under the Higher Courts Regulations 2000, these routes are to be reduced to one with effect from 31 October 2005.

As things stand now, there are three routes: exemption, accreditation and development.

The exemption route applies to solicitors who have practised as lawyers for at least three years and can demonstrate experience of advocacy in the higher courts of England and Wales or a comparable jurisdiction.

The accreditation route is open to solicitors who have practised as lawyers for at least three years and can demonstrate, by reason of their experience of litigation in the higher courts in England and Wales or a comparable jurisdiction, that they have acquired a sound understanding of the procedure, evidence and ethics.

The route requires the successful completion of an advocacy assessment.

The development route is suited for solicitors who cannot satisfy the experience requirements of the other two routes or have not practised as a lawyer for three years.

This route involves training and assessment in evidence, procedure and ethics and advocacy as well as the completion of a portfolio.

From 31 October 2005, the exemption and accreditation routes will disappear and solicitors will only be able to apply under the development route.

Therefore, solicitors meeting the experience requirements and wanting to gain the rights of audience qualification are advised to apply under the exemption or accreditation route as soon as possible.

Full details of the application requirements can be obtained by visiting the Web sites www.panels.lawsociety.org.uk.

Alternatively, e-mail: panels@lawsocioety.org.uk; or tel: 01527 504433.