Solicitor-advocate begins wig campaignSolicitor Brian Kennedy became a torch-bearer for equality this week when he confirmed that he would be petitioning the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, to rule on whether solicitor-advocates should be allowed to wear wigs.Mr Kennedy, a barrister turned solicitor at London firm Kaim Todner, said there were serious Human Rights Act points behind his request for parity of court attire.In a 19-page skeleton argument to be submitted to the Lord Chancellor Mr Kennedy claims defendants are prejudiced if represented by unwigged advocates.He says the reason behind the wig is to 'command respect and authority and bestow on the wearer gravitas and anonymity', all of which were important when addressing a court or particularly a jury.

'If one advocate is given a tool which provides these benefits to their client and the other isn't then there is clearly a risk of prejudice,' he said.If unsuccessful in his application, Mr Kennedy said he would consider either judicially reviewing the rules which allow the distinction to remain or launching a 'collateral attack' through a criminal case.Bar Council chairman Roy Amlot QC said the wig should be retained by the Bar as a mark of the difference between solicitor-advocates and 'specialist' barristers.

'We train more intensively as advocates.

Solicitors don't have the same level of training or constant experience in advocacy,' he said.Having qualified and spent two years at the criminal Bar, Mr Kennedy said Mr Amlot's comments were 'unsustainable'.Michael Caplan, vice-chairman of the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates, said there should be no distinction in dress between advocates in court.Sue Allen