Solicitors And Barristers

Question 1

What is the primary representing body for solicitors in England and Wales?

Answer 1

The Law Society.

Question 2

What regulatory body oversees solicitors?

Answer 2

The Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Question 3

In what type of law do solicitors primarily specialize?

Answer 3

General practitioners of the law.

Question 4

What type of work do solicitors most commonly engage in?

Answer 4

Conveyancing, drawing up wills, drafting contracts, writing letters, family and matrimonial work.

Question 5

What significant act gave solicitors full rights of audience?

Answer 5

The Access to Justice Act 1999.

Question 6

What is the vocational route for becoming a solicitor?

Answer 6

Complete 4 GCSEs, CiLEX Professional Diploma, Legal Practice Course, and Training Contract.

Question 7

How many years of vocational experience must legal executives complete?

Answer 7

Three years.

Question 8

What are the two stages of qualifications for legal executives?

Answer 8

Level 3 Professional Diploma and Level 6 CILEx Diploma.

Question 9

What is the new qualification exam for solicitors?

Answer 9

Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

Question 10

How many stages does the SQE consist of?

Answer 10

Two stages.

Question 11

What does SQE stage one assess?

Answer 11

Functioning legal knowledge.

Question 12

What is SQE stage two focused on?

Answer 12

Core legal skills, including practical skills assessments.

Question 13

What criteria must be met to qualify as a solicitor through SQE?

Answer 13

A university degree, pass character assessment, pass SQE stages, and complete two years of qualifying work experience.

Question 14

What is the role of barristers in the legal system?

Answer 14

They are advocacy specialists.

Question 15

Which body represents barristers in England and Wales?

Answer 15

The General Council of the Bar.

Question 16

How are barristers regulated?

Answer 16

By the Bar Standards Board.

Question 17

What percentage of law firms’ work do barristers predominantly handle?

Answer 17

Advocacy.

Question 18

What was introduced in 2004 regarding access to barristers?

Answer 18

Bar Direct, allowing direct access to barristers for civil cases.

Question 19

What are the two educational routes to becoming a barrister?

Answer 19

Law degree or a degree in another subject followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Question 20

What is pupillage in the context of barristers?

Answer 20

The practical training stage where the trainee barrister works under a qualified barrister.

Question 21

What is the ‘cab rank rule’ in relation to barristers?

Answer 21

A barrister cannot refuse a case within their specialism.

Question 22

What is a QC and what do they wear?

Answer 22

Queen’s Counsel, referred to as ‘silks’ because they wear gowns made of silk.

Question 23

What are some criticisms related to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)?

Answer 23

High costs and financial risks for trainees.

Question 24

What functions do the Solicitors Regulation Authority fulfill?

Answer 24

Ensure solicitors meet standards and act when risks are identified.

Question 25

What body handles complaints against solicitors?

Answer 25

The Office for Legal Complaints.

Question 26

What are arguments for the fusion of solicitors and barristers?

Answer 26

Reduced costs, more efficient service, and better case continuity.

Question 27

What are arguments against the fusion of solicitors and barristers?

Answer 27

Possible decline in specialism, loss of independent Bar, and lost objectivity in second opinions.

Question 28

What is the maximum fine the Solicitors Regulation Authority can impose?

Answer 28

£2,000.

Question 29

What kind of experience can count towards qualifying work experience for the SQE?

Answer 29

Experience gained through placements with up to four firms, or alternative forms like volunteering.

Question 30

What happens during the first six months of pupillage?

Answer 30

The trainee observes their 'master' in court and assists with related paperwork.

Question 31

How many barristers were practicing in England and Wales as of the latest figures?

Answer 31

Nearly 16,900.

Question 32

What must be completed to become a Fellow of CILEx?

Answer 32

Achieve Level 3 and Level 6 diplomas and complete vocational experience.

Question 33

What is the role of the Legal Ombudsman?

Answer 33

Make decisions about complaints against legal professionals and award compensation.

Question 34

What is the primary concern of the Bar Standards Board?

Answer 34

To regulate barristers and their professional practice.

Question 35

What is the importance of networking for aspiring barristers?

Answer 35

It provides opportunities to meet senior barristers and judges.

Question 36

What is the key focus of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)?

Answer 36

To develop advocacy and essential legal skills.

Question 37

What must a barrister do a minimum of 12 times during their training?

Answer 37

Dine at an Inn of Court.

Question 38

What is the maximum fine the Bar Standards Board can impose?

Answer 38

£50,000.

Question 39

What is the role of legal executives in relation to solicitors?

Answer 39

They provide similar legal services but typically focus on specific areas of law.

Question 40

What pivotal legal reform affected the qualifications for solicitors?

Answer 40

The introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).