As the sole SRA-regulated provider in the UK authorised to design and deliver the Higher Rights of Audience assessments, we support solicitors through every stage of achieving Higher Rights in both civil and criminal practice, giving you the credibility and preparation you need to succeed. Our training and assessment pathway enables you to qualify as a solicitor-advocate and appear for clients in the higher courts with confidence and authority.
Our Higher Rights training is designed around the realities of legal practice, delivered through public courses or bespoke in-house programmes for firms. While training is not compulsory, our courses are structured to help maximise your performance in the assessments while developing confident, effective advocacy you can apply in practice instantly. Teaching is practitioner-led, delivered by experienced solicitors and barristers, many with judicial or extensive higher court advocacy experience, ensuring insights are grounded in real courtroom practice.
We are the only provider offering face-to-face Higher Rights advocacy training. Our in-person training is delivered in London and Manchester, alongside our flexible online options, allowing you to fit your learning around your practice needs. We deliberately keep group sizes small, enabling detailed feedback, high levels of interaction and individual support. This approach allows you to develop your practical skills, helping you to builld confidence and approach the assessment fully prepared.
Training Pathway
Written Advocacy Training (Civil or Criminal)
2-day course covering law, evidence, procedure, analysis and written submissions.
Practical Advocacy Training (Civil or Criminal)
2-day course focused on oral advocacy, interim applications, mini-trials and structured feedback.
Who is the training course for?
Our Higher Rights of Audience courses are available to both civil and criminal practitioners on a public basis.
We also offer Higher Rights training for organisations that wish to train groups of delegates in HRA – this can be arranged at one of our campuses or at a venue of your choice.
Additionally, for trainees wishing to pursue a career in litigation, Higher Rights training can be chosen as a replacement for PSC electives, with the opportunity to complete the assessment on qualification.
From a Firm?
We can provide our HRA training to groups of trainees for firms either at our campus or at your offices.
Find out moreCourse Fees
Individual options
Civil Higher Rights of Audience Training
- Written Advocacy Training (2 days) £555 + VAT
- Practical Advocacy Training (2 days) £555 + VAT
- Both Written and Practical Advocacy Training £1,110 + VAT
Criminal Higher Rights of Audience Training
- Written Advocacy Training (2 days) £555 + VAT
- Practical Advocacy Training (2 days) £555 + VAT
- Both Written and Practical Advocacy Training £1,110 + VAT
What is included?
- All tuition and training materials (in digital format for online courses)
- Access to study manuals and supporting resources
- Small-group learning with personalised feedback
- Delivery online or face-to-face (depending on selected schedule)
Packages
You can combine one of our PSC core modules with our Higher Rights training courses. Alternatively, we can design bespoke training packages to meet the needs of your law firm.
Book Now
You can book a place on this course online, or get in touch with our team via email for more information.
Book nowLearner Testimonials
“The Civil Advocacy Practical Training Course … strengthened my confidence as an advocate… and felt immediately applicable. The lecturer’s insight, drawn from litigation and judicial experience, made the sessions engaging, entertaining and impactful.”
Alex Kennedy, Solicitor Advocate, Gannons
“The Higher Rights course is very well taught… tutors are also practitioners and well placed to give solid, practical advice. Small-group delivery meant we had dedicated time to practice and receive detailed feedback.”
Paige Dennison, Solicitor, DWF Chambers
Assessments
- Each civil or criminal assessment comprises two parts: a written and practical element
- They must be completed in the same assessment window
- Four sittings annually
- Available online or on campus – meaning you can choose a location and date that works best for you
Visit our assessment webpage for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a solicitor get HRA?
A Solicitor and a registered European lawyer (REL) are granted rights of audience in all courts when they are admitted or registered. However, they cannot exercise those rights in the higher courts until they have complied with additional assessment requirements.
What are the rights of the audience of solicitors?
According to common law, a right of audience is generally a right of solicitor advocate to appear and conduct proceedings in court on behalf of their clients.
Who has the HRA before a circuit judge?
Circuit judges must be solicitors who have held a 'right of audience' (the right to appear in court as an advocate) for at least ten years. They should generally also have served either part-time as a recorder on criminal cases or full-time as district judges on civil cases before they can be appointed.
