Faculty of Advocates

Promoting access to justice for 500 years

What is the Faculty of Advocates?

The Faculty of Advocates is the professional body to which all Advocates belong. Its history dates back to the sixteenth century.

Governance

The Faculty is led by elected office-bearers and by an elected Faculty Council.

Anti-Money Laundering

The Faculty of Advocates has a dedicated telephone number for anyone wishing to report concerns about the actions of an Advocate in relation to money laundering.

Events

Four Jurisdictions' Conference 2026 Welcome to the Four Jurisdictions' Conference 2026 The Four Jurisdictions Conference 2026 will take place in Edinburgh from 15 to 17 May. The Conference brings together barristers, advocates, and members of the judiciary from the Bars of Ireland, England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, providing a forum for meaningful engagement across the four jurisdictions. The programme is designed to encourage dialogue on issues of shared importance to the profession, including the independence of the Bar, the operation and funding of legal aid systems, and wider priorities such as diversity, regulation, and the continued development and promotion of the profession.

Faculty Funds

Funding is available from the Faculty of Advocates to support relevant charitable initiatives and programmes. Further information and an application form is available here.

Mini-Devilling Scheme

The Mini-Devilling Scheme is open to students enrolled on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at an accredited provider in Scotland.

International

The Faculty participates in the work of a number of international organisations

The Advocates Library

Welcome to the Advocates Library

History of Faculty

The Faculty of Advocates as a body dates back to the foundation of the College of Justice in 1532, although individual Advocates were probably working in the courts even earlier. It has had a central role in maintaining and developing Scots law as a distinctive legal system.

Environmental Policy

The Faculty of Advocates Environmental Policy

Faculty of Advocates Retirement & Death Benefits Plan

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