Legal professionals

Question 1

Where do solicitors work

Answer 1

in private practices
some can work for the CPS

Question 2

whats the role of a solicitor

Answer 2

give legal advice to clients
negotiation
drafting legal documents
writing letters
interviewing clients
advocacy work in court

Question 3

what does advocacy mean

Answer 3

representing a client in a courtroom. It is standing up in court and arguing their client’s side and questioning witnesses.

Question 4

solicitors and barristers can become kings counsel if..

Answer 4

have a certificate of Advocacy and minimum of 10 years practice

Question 5

what is the regulation of a solicitor

Answer 5

• The solicitor regulation authority (SRA) regulates the solicitors profession. They also investigate the complaints and allegations of misconduct.
• The office for legal complaints will investigate complaints about the complaint process
• cases can be referred further to the Legal Ombudsman.

Question 6

What is the role of barristers

Answer 6

The main role is advocacy in court- representing the client in a case
They also; give legal advice, write opinions on cases, hold case conferences, and draft documents to use in court

Question 7

Where do barristers work

Answer 7

self employed and work in Chambers
some work for the CPS

Question 8

What is the cab rank rule

Answer 8

if they are free they can not turn down a case on the area of law that they work in.
This means justice for all

Question 9

what is the regulation of barristers

Answer 9

• the bar standards board regulates, they will set standards of behaviour for them. They also investigate and take action when these standards are not being met
• The office for legal complaints will investigate complaints about the complaint process
• cases can be referred further to the legal ombudsman

Question 10

What are rights of audience?

Answer 10

Permission to advocate in court

Question 11

In which court have solicitors always had rights of audience?

Answer 11

magistrates

Question 12

What is a certificate of advocacy?

Answer 12

A certificate which grants solicitors rights of audience in higher courts

Question 13

What percentage of barristers are self employed?

Answer 13

80%

Question 14

What percentage of barristers work for the CPS, gov or businesses?

Answer 14

20%

Question 15

What is meant by direct access?

Answer 15

Previously, the client did not have direct access to the barrister (still don’t in criminal or family cases) but they do in civil.

Question 16

What do legal executives do?

Answer 16

advise clients and explain legal matters.
working with solicitors
research and prepare cases
deal with legal matters- like divorce
attend to court

Question 17

What does CILEX stand for?

Answer 17

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Question 18

What does CILEX do?

Answer 18

Regulate legal executives and set out a code of conduct

Question 19

What does the CILEX regulation board do?

Answer 19

Investigate misconduct from legal executives and refer serious cases to a professional conduct panel

Question 20

What does the legal ombudsman do?

Answer 20

deal with complaints against the handling of complaints by the CILEx regulatory board

Question 21

What can the legal ombudsman order a legal professional to do?

Answer 21

Apologise, refund/reduce fees or compensate (up to £30,000)