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Solicitors
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Solicitors are the lower of the two tiers of the legal proffesion, and
do most of their work in the magistrates court and countycourts, although solicitors
are increasingly being given audience rights in the higher courts. Solicitors do not
usually deal with the advocacy side of the case, but concentrate more on the behind-the-scenes
aspects. Litigation only forms a small part of the work of solicitors, and most are involved
in comercial work, relating to business trnsactions, shares, property, land and wills.
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Most solicitors are university graduates with a law degree, but they also have to train for
a year on a practical course, and spend two years as an 'apprentice' to an existing solicitor.
Solicitors usually operate in large partnerships and the proffesion is regulated by the
Law Society. Click on the Law Society logo to visit their site.
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Barristers
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Barristers are the upper tier of the legal profession, and do most of their
work in the higher courts, such as the Crown Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal.
The traditional role of the barrister is advocacy (presentation and arguing of the case) and their
ability to think quickly as the trial progresses, and argue their case with eloquence is
highly valued. A barrister will be 'briefed' in the details of a case by a solicitor, but
after that, it is up to him how he continues to develop the case. Due to the nature of a
barristers job, they often become specialised in a certain area, and advise solicitors in
this area.
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Most barristers are university graduates with a law degree, and like solicitors, they
too take a practical course, which is provided by the bar. After this, they must join one
of the 4 inns of court in London and complete a pupilage to an existing barrister.
Barristers are not allowed to operate in partnerships, but they often share resources in
chambers. The profession is regulated by the Bar Council. Click on the Bar Council logo to
visit their site.
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Legal Executives
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Legal executives are professionals, qualified in law, who specialise in
specific subject areas and act as advisors to firms of solicitors and large companies.
They are regulated by the Institute of Legal Executives. Click on the Institute of Legal
Executives logo to visit their site.
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© Luke Culverwell 2001, All Rights Reserved |
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