Chris Graves

A COLCHESTER lawyer has qualified as a solicitor advocate.

Chris Graves is now one of a team of three solicitor advocates at Fisher Jones Greenwood who are able to represent clients in the higher courts in England and Wales.

Mr Graves, a specialist in family law, explained that until 1994, only barristers had 'higher rights of audience' which meant that solicitors were required to instruct barristers to represent clients in the higher courts.

“Solicitor advocates however are granted higher rights and this means we are able to offer a complete service to a client, from initial advice through to case preparation and presentation before the courts,” he said.

“This has huge benefits as it not only saves on costs but it means especially in complex cases there is continuity and we can develop a better understanding and knowledge of the case which is especially important in family law.”

Mr Graves spent a year preparing to become a solicitor advocate and joins colleagues Yvonne Spencer and Nigel Humpreys who have been qualified as solicitor advocates for some years.

Tony Fisher, senior partner at the firm, said they were “delighted” at the expansion of their solicitor advocate team.