Commentary on Sections Part 8: Solicitors’ rights of audience Section 88: Authorisation of Society conferring additional rights of audience
This section makes various amendments to the Solicitors (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 which are related to the granting of authorisation to solicitors by the Law Society to appear in the High Court and Court of Appeal. The application for authorisation shall be made in a way, and accompanied by such fee, as the Law Society may prescribe together with such information the Society may reasonably require.
The Law Society is required to make regulations with regard to the education, training and experience which a solicitor must possess before authorisation can be granted. These regulations may provide that a solicitor who has already completed such training, education or experience shall be taken to hold such authorisation. These regulations are subject to the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice and the Department which must consult with the Attorney General.
Where a solicitor meets the prescribed training, education and experience requirements, the Law Society shall grant authorisation. The Law Society must maintain a register of authorised solicitors.