Legal personell

Question 1

Barristers

Answer 1

Training: Qualifying Law degree/ GDL, Bar Professional Training Course (advocacy, case preparation, writing skills), Year pupillage
Role: Full rights of audience, but some specialise, Direct access (more paperwork) but not for criminal or family, Employed by government, or self employed

Question 2

Solicitors

Answer 2

Training: Qualifying Law degree/ GDL, Legal Practice Course (interviews, negotiation, writing skills), Two year Training Contract
Role: Employed by government, or private practice, Paperwork (interviewing clients, drafting contracts), Limited rights of advocacy (right in Magistrates and County) can be extended by training course

Question 3

Legal Executives

Answer 3

Training: Professional Diploma and Higher Diploma in Law, Work in solicitors firm/legal organisation for 5 years
Role: Specialised work similar to that of a solicitor, Rights of audience for civil and family cases in County Court

Question 4

Queens counsel

Answer 4

After 10 years practise, barristers and solicitors eligible for QC

Question 5

Regulation of Legal Personnel

Answer 5

Barristers: General Council of the Bar (trade union), Bar Standards Board (code of conduct)
Solicitors: Law Society (trade union), Solicitors Regulatory Authority
Legal Executives: Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)