According to the Daily Record, the number of women training to be advocates in Scotland's courts is set to equal the number of male devils for the first time.

Numbers of women have risen recently and this year's autumn intake is almost an equal split.

Claire Mitchell, one of the 110 female practising advocates in Scotland, is quoted as saying: "The figures are a very promising sign for women in the business. The Law Society estimate that by 2011, there will be more women than men in the legal profession."

"No doubt at some time, there will be a 50-50 split at the faculty as well."

The Record also reminds us that Scotland's first female advocate was Margaret Kidd, who was admitted to the Scottish Bar in 1923 and continued to practice until 1974.

Labels: Faculty of Advocates, News

Congratulations to Maurice O'Carroll, advocate and his good lady wife for their recent court victory over Ryanair. Mr. O'Carroll acted as a party litigant (kind of) in suing the aforementioned airline for damages occasioned by a delayed/cancelled flight. You can read the judgement here: O'Carroll v. Ryanair.

Two points occur to me. One, how useful to be able to sue for delays at airports and two, how interesting that even advocates take budget flights. The credit crunch is affecting even counsel it seems!

Finally, a big welcome to the website of Maurice O'Carroll which has now been added to our Advocates page in the links section.

Labels: Faculty of Advocates, News, site updates

Scots Law Blogger, Jonathan Mitchell QC brings us an interesting piece on some potentially thorny questions arising from the recently announced Legal Profession (Scotland) Bill.

Covering questions including the "cab-rank rule" and "mixed doubles", his post on The Proposed Legal Profession Bill is well worth a read.

Perhaps the Bill will finally sort out all the mixed metaphors which so bedevil one down at the Faculty.

Labels: Faculty of Advocates, News, Scottish Parliament