Sydney Mitchell partner becomes higher courts advocate
A partner in the family law team of a Birmingham and Solihull law firm has achieved the Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) Civil qualification.
Gemma Whitchurch (pictured), who has specialised in family law for over 17 years, is now able to represent clients in the higher courts including the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Gemma becomes the first lawyer in Sydney Mitchell’s 260-year history, to become a solicitor advocate and joins a very small cohort of Higher Rights of Audience Civil qualified solicitor advocates in the West Midlands, and just over 2,900* across the whole of England and Wales.
Her expertise spans a range of high-net-worth financial remedy cases following divorce and complex children law issues, including child arrangements and relocation cases.
She is highly experienced in handling sensitive situations including those involving domestic abuse, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of clients and children.
Gemma (pictured) said: “Not only does being able to undertake our own advocacy allow continuity of representation for clients within the court arena, but it also removes the need for clients to re-tell their often highly sensitive and complex personal stories at what an emotional, distressing and stressful time can be.
“Furthermore, for Sydney Mitchell to now have a partner who is a solicitor advocate means the firm is truly differentiated from other law firms in the region and has a platform from which to further build the reputation of the Family Law team.
“This does feel like a huge personal and professional achievement,” she said. “I am really proud of myself for working hard to pass the qualifying exams and to complete and achieve something I have always wanted.”
The Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) Civil qualification is granted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and enables solicitors in England and Wales, and registered European lawyers (RELs), to represent clients and conduct advocacy before the senior courts of England and Wales.
The Solicitors’ Higher Rights of Audience Regulations 2010 came into effect on 1 April 2010, replacing the Higher Courts Qualification Regulations 2000, to give solicitors one route to qualification in either civil or criminal proceedings.
