Legal Profession

Question 1

Describe a route to becoming a solicitor

Answer 1

1) A levels or equivalent
2) Law Degree
3) Legal Practise Course (1 year)
4) 2 Year Training Period
5) Qualified as a solicitor

Question 2

Describe a route to becoming a barrister

Answer 2

1) a) Law Degree
1) b) Non-law Degree, then 1 year course (Graduate Diploma in Law
2) Membership at the Inn. Attend the Inn, either dine or take a weekend course
3) Bar Professional Training Course
4) Called to the Bar
5) 12 Months Pupillage
6) Practice as a Barrister

Question 3

What type of work do solicitors do?

Answer 3

• Governed by the Law Society
• Work is office based
• Can present cases in court
• Approached directly by the public

Question 4

What type of work do barristers do?

Answer 4

• Governed by the General Council of the Bar
• More likely to specialise in court work but also court work
• Clients have to go through a solicitor to reach them

Question 5

Organisation of the Legal Profession

Answer 5

• The Law Society and the Bar Council are overseen by the Legal Services Board
• The Legal Services Act 2007 allows solicitors and barristers to work in the same firm. It also allows lawyers and non-lawyers to work in the same firm