In-House Advocacy Excellence: Why Our Solicitor Advocate Sets Us Apart

When choosing a law firm, expertise and experience really matter. At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors, we’re proud to offer clients direct access to high-level courtroom advocacy, without the need to bring in external barristers. We offer this for every case. Instructing external counsel can often create delays in your case and increase the costs significantly. External counsel can sometimes be invaluable for the most complex cases. Because our Principal, Gavin Edmondson, initially qualified as a barrister, he is extremely well-connected with multiple barristers in various disciplines. This is important because you deserve the right tool for the right job, from the outset.

What Does It Mean To Be A Solicitor Advocate?

In the UK legal system, traditional solicitors handle client matters and prepare cases and documents, while barristers are often brought in to represent clients in the higher courts. However, solicitor advocates like Gavin Edmondson have obtained additional qualifications that allow them to appear in all courts. Gavin did not need the normal additional qualifications as he gained his rights of audience from initially qualifying as a barrister. These higher rights of audience extend to the Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

This means that Gavin is qualified to do the work of both a solicitor and a barrister, providing seamless, continuous representation from the initial consultation, through to court appearances, however your case progresses and whichever higher court may hear the case.

Why It Matters To Our Clients

While many high street law firms rely on external counsel, Gavin Edmondson Solicitors offers in-house advocacy as standard, which brings several advantages:

• You will see the lead advocate on your case from the very first appointment / instruction.
• Continuity of representation: Your case stays with one legal professional who knows every detail from start to finish.
• Cost-effectiveness: Avoid the extra fees often associated with briefing a separate barrister.
• Efficiency: Decisions are made faster with fewer delays in communication between solicitor and counsel.
• Expertise: Higher Rights of Audience are only granted after rigorous assessment. Gavin’s qualification is a testament to his experience and skill in complex litigation.

A Rare Advantage On The High Street

In-house higher court advocacy is uncommon in many civil high street solicitors’ firms, which makes our offering distinctive. Clients benefit from city-level legal expertise with the personalised service of a local firm.

Whether you’re facing a commercial dispute, a family law matter, civil litigation, criminal proceedings or need legal representation at a higher level, Gavin Edmondson Solicitors is uniquely equipped to handle your matter from start to finish, without handing it over to another firm.

Looking for a solicitor advocate in Northwich, Cheshire or even UK wide, contact us today to find out how our in-house advocacy services can benefit your case.

Summary Comparison

Solicitors:

• Primary Role: Provide legal advice, draft documents, and handle case preparation before going to court.
• Work Setting: Typically work in law firms, private organisations or in-house legal departments.
• Court Representation: While some solicitors can obtain “rights of audience” and represent clients in court, it’s more common for them to instruct barristers for court appearances, especially in higher courts.
• Example: A solicitor might advise a client about a contract dispute, draft the necessary legal documents and then, if the matter goes to court, instruct a barrister to represent the client.

Barristers:

• Primary Role: Specialise in courtroom advocacy, representing clients in legal hearings and providing expert legal advice, especially in complex or high-level cases.
• Work Setting: Often self-employed and work in chambers, but some may be employed in-house.
• Court Representation: Barristers have a stronger tradition of representing clients in court, especially in higher courts like the Crown Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
• Example: A barrister might be instructed by a solicitor to represent a client in a complex criminal trial or to provide expert legal advice on a particular legal issue.