Describe The Role Of Legal Executives Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are legal executives?
Legal executives are qualified lawyers who have passed the Institute of Legal Executives’ Professional Qualification in Law.
How many legal executives are currently practicing?
There are over 20,000 legal executives practising.
Where do legal executives typically work?
They mainly work in solicitors’ firms as assistants but can also work in Local Government.
What type of work do legal executives perform?
Their work is similar to that of a solicitor, dealing with straightforward matters such as drafting wills, handling aspects of conveyancing, or advising on matrimonial problems.
What types of work can legal executives undertake?
They undertake ‘contentious work’ such as personal injury litigation and criminal prosecutions, and ‘non-contentious work’ such as wills and conveyancing.
Can legal executives represent clients in court?
Yes, they can be an advocate in court and have some limited rights of audience.
What advocacy rights do legal executives have since 2008?
Since 2008, they can complete an advocacy course and obtain wider rights of audience through a Civil Proceedings, Criminal Proceedings, or Family Proceedings Certificate.
What is the significance of the Civil Proceedings, Criminal Proceedings, or Family Proceedings Certificate for legal executives?
This Certificate allows legal executives to be an advocate in the Magistrates’ Court, such as making applications for bail or dealing with cases in the Youth Court or Family Court.
How do legal executives charge for their services?
They charge an hourly rate just like solicitors, contributing to the income of the law firm.
What can a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives do after qualifying?
A Fellow can go on to qualify as a solicitor after passing the Law Society’s Legal Practice Course.
