The ADVOC Executive Committee meeting in Porto in October referred to the Rules and Protocols Committee a suggestion that ADVOC might allow lawyers or other professionals who worked in association with ADVOC firms to become ADVOC supporters or affiliates. This is particularly intended to help in marketing and encouraging people to attend conferences and seminars that may not be just for ADVOC members.

The Executive Committee thought that this proposal would work best for In-house Counsel and asked the Rules and Protocols Committee to explore the idea and to come back with a recommendation which would ultimately be submitted to the Joint Meeting in Peru in November.

The Committee, particularly after discussion with Chapter Presidents, recognised that there is a range of views on this issue. Some are keen that only independent commercial law firms can be members of ADVOC and that we should not create any subsidiary category of membership, such as associate membership. However, there are members who see some merit in In-house Counsel and perhaps other professional firms, such as accountants, being able to be treated as ADVOC friends or supporters. Accordingly, the Committee has prepared a report which will be considered by the ADVOC Executive Committee. The report notes that no rule change is required at the level of ADVOC as a whole. Admission to membership and related issues is the responsibility of each Chapter. The Committee suggests that each Chapter can make its own decisions. It also suggests that if a Chapter wishes to approve the concept, it should use a term such as 'ADVOC Associate' to avoid any suggestion of membership.

The issue is therefore before the ADVOC Executive Committee. It is expected to come forward to the Joint Conference in November in one form or another.

Simon Fraser

Chairman - Rules and Protocols Committee