Legal proffesions

• What is the professional body for barristers?

  General Council of the Bar
• What does the Bar Standards Board do?


  Sets training standards and regulates barristers
• What is the professional body for solicitors?

  Law Society
• Who deals with complaints about solicitors' professional misconduct?

  Solicitors Regulation Authority
• What is the process for lodging a complaint against a barrister?

  1. Complaint to Head of Chambers
  2. If dissatisfied, refer to BSB
  3. BSB investigates and can discipline
  4. Serious breaches may go to Disciplinary Tribunal
  5. If still dissatisfied, lodge with Legal Ombudsman
• What actions can the Disciplinary Tribunal take against a barrister?

  Reprimand, fine, suspend, or disbar
• What can a client do if they are dissatisfied with the BSB's handling of a complaint?

  Lodge a complaint with the Legal Ombudsman
• Under Direct Access, what can a barrister be sued for?

  Breach of contract involving negligence
• What is the professional body for Legal Executives?

  Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx)
• What does the CILEx Regulation Board do?

  Regulates the profession and investigates complaints
• What happens after a CILEx investigation is completed?

  • Matter goes before the Professional Conduct Panel
  • Panel can reprimand, warn, or refer serious matters
  • Serious matters may go to Disciplinary Tribunal
• What can the Disciplinary Tribunal for Legal Executives do?

  Order fines, reprimands, or exclusion from membership
• What is the role of legal executives?

  Work similar to solicitors at lower fees
• What types of work do legal executives handle?

  • Property transfer
  • Company formation
  • Will drafting
  • Family case advice
  • Police station advice
• In what courts can legal executives appear?

  Lower courts like County and Magistrates' Courts
• What is the primary role of solicitors?

  Interviewing and advising clients
• What are the main responsibilities of solicitors?

  • Interview and advise clients
  • Provide legal advice on various topics
  • Negotiate on behalf of clients
  • Prepare legal documents
  • Advocate in courts
• What qualifications are needed for solicitors to represent clients in higher courts?

  Higher Court Advocacy qualification
• What is the role of barristers?

  Provide legal advice and represent clients
• What are the main functions of barristers?

  • Advise clients via solicitors
  • Draft court documents
  • Hold case conferences
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Conduct legal research
• What must barristers have to practice?

  Practising certificate and membership in an Inn
• What can barristers apply for after ten years of experience?

  Queen’s Counsel designation
• How do barristers typically receive their work?

  Through instructions from solicitors
• What is the significance of the Legal Services Act 2007 in complaints handling?

  Provides a free service for complaint investigations
• What can clients do if they are dissatisfied with a solicitor's work?

  Sue for breach of contract or negligence
• What case illustrates a client suing a solicitor for negligence?

  White v Jones
• What can happen if a solicitor fails to do their work properly?

  They can be sued for negligence