A FRISSON of fear is running through the ranks of junior advocates, following the recent decision of the Bar Council to allow attorneys to appear in court with senior advocates.
Attorneys were given the right to appear in court on their own last year, but the latest move is seen as more of a threat to the Bar.
Some advocates – especially junior ones – have signalled their unease at the prospect of having attorneys taking some of their staple work.
Malcolm Wallis, SC, chairman of the Bar Council, said it would be at the discretion of provincial Bar Councils to allow attorneys to team up with advocates in court according to what is in the best interests of the client.
He stressed that this is a temporary move, and the Bar Council has yet to take a final decision on the matter.
* The South African Bar Council this week denied that an arrangement which will allow South African advocates to practise in Britain, and vice versa, is imminent.
Malcolm Wallis, SC, the chairman of the South African Bar Council, dismissed rumours that a reciprocal agreement could be struck by the end of the year. But he confirmed that he and Peter Goldsmith, QC, former chairman of the English Bar, could establish an exchange programme for pupil advocates as part of a drive to forge ties between the two Bars.
Wallis said the two Bars are discussing further training of local advocates by British barristers, after a successful series of training sessions in February.
Wallis added that there is considerable scope for improving the quality and nature of the training given to South African advocates.