The Society of Solicitor Advocates (SSA) is embracing software application technology with the launch of a new app. Instruct + allows Solicitors to alert Solicitor Advocates instantly to the need for court cover and work referrals. 

The system is free to the user and alerts will only go to Solicitor Advocates with the relevant specialism and who are members of the society. The app is being launched today (Tuesday) at the society’s AGM in Edinburgh which will also see the launch of SSA’s new website which will be the platform for managing the app.

The idea behind the concept is to allow solicitors to quickly and easily access the services of Solicitor Advocates without the need for time consuming phone calls and emails. The system works in such a way that solicitors can fill in a basic website form with their details and case requirements which will prompt an alert to be sent to all SSA members who practice in that field via the app. Those members who wish to offer their services can then contact the Solicitor directly.

SSA President and Thompsons Partner, Tom Marshall said: “This is a fantastic innovative use of technology and will be a huge help to the many Solicitors and Solicitor Advocates who operate to busy deadlines and demanding schedules. The app is easy to use and should be of great benefit to many people.”

Vice President of the Society and Thompsons Partner Rory McPherson added: “I have no doubt Instruct+ will be well received by Society members who know only too well the pressures Solicitors are under. Developing the app has been an interesting time but we feel we have got it right and are delighted to be launching it, along with our new website today.”

The Lord President and Lord Justice General, the Right Honourable Lord Gill, Scotland’s longest serving judge will be the guest speaker at the society’s AGM this evening.

Notes for editors:

1.      The Society of Solicitor Advocates is a voluntary organisation formed to represent the interests of solicitor advocates in Scotland and to promote excellence in advocacy before the Scottish courts. Our members include civil and criminal solicitor advocates from legal firms of all shapes and sizes, and from the public sector. Membership of the Society is open to all solicitors in Scotland with extended rights of audience.

2.      Solicitor advocates are a relatively new type of Scottish court lawyer. They came into existence in 1993, when legal reforms permitted solicitors to apply for rights of audience in the Higher Courts in Scotland as well as in the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Until then, the only Scottish court lawyers entitled to appear before these higher courts were advocates.

3.      There are now over 300 practising solicitor advocates in Scotland, with roughly half practicing as civil solicitor advocates and half appearing in the criminal courts. Eight solicitor advocates currently appear in both criminal and civil courts.