Legal Personnel Flashcards
Describe the role of a Solicitor
- They give out legal advice
- They draft letters and wills
- They can advocate in lower courts like Magistrates or County due to lower rights of audience
- They can work privately, in a firm or in the legal department of a large business
Describe the role of a Barrister
- They book in cases
- They negotiate fees
- They can advocate in all courts due to full rights of audience
- If on the QC, they have more responsibility and deal with more complex cases
Describe the role of a Legal Executive
- They handle legal aspects of property transfer
- They assist in the formation of companies
- They draft wills
- They advise clients on matrimonial problems
- They advise clients accused of serious or petty crime
What types of law do Solicitors practice?
- Business Law
- Corporate Law
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
What types of law do Barristers practice?
- Commercial Law
- Common Law (Family, Housing, Personal Injury)
- Criminal Law
- Entertainment Law
What types of law do Legal Executives practice?
- Civil Litigation (Personal Injury, Debt Recovery, Housing)
- Criminal Litigation
- Tort Law
- Contract Law
- Family Law
Note: Legal Execs specialise in one or two areas of law each
What is meant by ‘regulation’ ?
A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority
Why is regulation important?
They can:
- Underpin markets
- Protect the rights and safety of citizens
- Ensure the delivery of goods and services
- Set the standards and behaviour expected of barristers
What is the regulatory board for Barristers?
The Bar Standards Board (BSB)
What is the regulatory board for Solicitors?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
What is the regulatory board for Legal Executives?
CILEx Regulation
What is the complaint process for a Barrister?
- Complain to the firm
- Complain to The Bar Standards Board
- Attend a disciplinary tribunal
- If this does not happen, then it will be taken to the Legal Ombudsmen
Who are the Legal Ombudsmen?
A free service created as a result of the Legal Services Act 2007 that investigates the complaints against lawyers in England. If a client is unhappy with the way their complaint was handled by the original regulatory board, they can use this service.
