U1A: Legal Executives

Question 1

What are Legal Executives?

Answer 1

-Qualified lawyers who work in solicitors’ firms as assistants
-Specialise in particular area of Law

Question 2

How many Legal executives are there?

Answer 2

-20,000

Question 3

What is the day-to-day work of Legal Executives (4)?

Answer 3

SIMILAR to solicitors:
-Tend to deal with STRAIGHTFORWARD matters:
CAN:
- Handle aspects of property transfer
- Assist in the formation of a company
- Draft wills
- Advise people accused of crime

Question 4

How do LEs earn money?

Answer 4

-Fee earners:
Charge hourly for work completed

Question 5

What is a LE’s right of audience?

Answer 5

-Can appear to make applications where case is not defended:
-In family matters and civil cases AND
-In the MC and County Courts

Question 6

What LE’s do since 2008?

Answer 6

-Take course on advocacy

Question 7

What can LEs do after taking a course on advocacy?

Answer 7

-Obtain wider rights of audience
-Enable them to deal with greater range of cases in MCs

Question 8

Who is responsible for LEs?

Answer 8

-Partners of the law firm that the LE works

Question 9

Who regulates LEs?

Answer 9

-CILEx Regulation Board who investigates complaints

Question 10

Who provides a code of conduct for LEs?

Answer 10

-Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)

Question 11

How do the CILEx investigate companies? (3)

Answer 11

1) Prepare a summary which will be presented to the Professional Conduct Panel for consideration

2) IF there has been misconduct then they may reprimand the member

3) IF it is serious then they will refer it to the Disciplinary Tribunal who can exclude a person from membership of CILEx or fine them up to £3,000