Rights of audience
In all courts parties may speak for themselves or they may have a legal representative acting on their behalf. Who that legal representative can be varies depending on the court.
The Court of Session and the High Court of the Justiciary
In the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary only advocates and solicitor-advocates may appear.
Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts
In addition to advocates and solicitor-advocates, solicitors and lay representatives can also represent. Lay representatives can appear in simple procedure cases, in summary cause first hearings, continued first hearings (for example where a client is being taken to court due to rent arrears) and actions for repossession due to mortgage arrears in ordinary cause. Solicitors are less likely to appear in simple procedure hearings as legal aid is usually only available for representation in this type of case where the claim is between £3,000 and £5,000.
Tribunals
Normally any representative may appear in tribunal.
Last updated: 13 January 2020