Describe The Role Od Solicitors Flashcards
How many solicitors are practising in England and Wales?
There are over 150,000 solicitors practising in England and Wales.
Where are most solicitors employed?
Most solicitors are employed in private practice in solicitors’ firms.
What types of organisations employ solicitors besides private firms?
Solicitors are also employed by organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Local Government, and businesses.
What is the typical career progression for a newly qualified solicitor?
A newly qualified solicitor starts as an assistant solicitor, then progresses to a salaried partner, and may eventually become an equity partner.
What is the difference between smaller and larger firms of solicitors?
Smaller firms are often ‘high street’ firms with a few partners, while larger firms are ‘big city’ firms with many partners and a greater degree of specialisation.
What types of law do solicitors in larger firms typically specialise in?
Solicitors in larger firms may specialise in areas such as company law or property law.
What types of work do solicitors undertake?
Solicitors undertake ‘contentious work’ such as personal injury litigation and criminal prosecutions, and ‘non-contentious work’ such as wills and conveyancing.
What rights do solicitors have in court?
Solicitors have automatic rights of audience in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court.
What can solicitors obtain to represent clients in higher courts?
Solicitors with advocacy experience can obtain a certificate of advocacy for the higher courts after passing an exam and undergoing training.
What judicial roles can solicitors be appointed to?
Solicitors with relevant advocacy experience can be appointed King’s Counsel and to higher judicial posts, and may act as Deputy District Judges in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court.
