legal personnel

• What is the first step in becoming a barrister?

  Obtain a law degree
• What must a trainee barrister do after obtaining a law degree?

  Join one of the inns of court
• What is the purpose of the Bar Vocational course?

  To gain contact with senior barristers
• How long is the pupillage period for a barrister?

  One year
• What happens during the first six months of pupillage?

  Shadowing a pupil master
• What are three subjects studied in the BPTC?

  Case preparation, drafting documents, interpersonal skills
• What is the role of a pupil master during pupillage?

  To observe and help the pupil
• What is direct access in the legal system?

  Public can instruct a barrister directly
• What is one benefit of direct access for clients?

  Saves money and gives more control
• What is the first step in training to become a solicitor?

  Get a law degree
• What are the two SQE exams for solicitors?

  Assessment of legal knowledge and skills
• How many years of work experience are required for solicitors?

  Two years
• What is a training contract for solicitors?

  Gaining practical experience at a law firm
• What is the minimum qualification for legal executives?

  Four GCSEs at grade C+
• What does CILEX stand for?

  Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
• What skills do legal executives gain through CILEx?

  Apprenticeship skills, legal knowledge, communication skills
• What is the role of the General Council of the Bar?

  Representative body for barristers in England and Wales
• What does the Bar Standards Board do?

  Sets and enforces standards for barristers
• What is the role of the Law Society?

  Representative body for solicitors
• What does the Solicitors Regulation Authority do?

  Regulatory body for solicitors
• What is the role of CILEx?

  Body for legal executives
• What does the CILEx Regulation Board do?

  Sets standards for legal executives
• What does the Legal Ombudsman do?

  Investigates complaints about lawyers
• What is the role of judges in the court system?

  To make decisions based on law and evidence
• What are the qualifications for judges?

  Solicitor/barrister, experience, correct personality
• How are judges selected for their positions?

  Interviews and JAC recommendation
• What are the superior judges in the court system?

  Justices of the Supreme Court, Lord Justices, High Court judges
• What are the inferior judges in the court system?

  Circuit judges, district judges, recorders, magistrates
• What is the security of tenure principle for judges?

  Judges can make decisions without undue influence
• How can superior judges be dismissed?

  By the king on petition from both houses
• How can inferior judges be dismissed?

  By the Lord Chancellor for misbehaviour
• What does immunity from suit mean for judges?

  Protection from prosecution for judicial decisions
• What is the importance of independence from the executive and legislature?

  Prevents undue influence on judicial decisions
• What does the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 state about superior judges?

  They cannot be dismissed without proper procedure
• Why is it important for judges to be independent?

  Increases public trust in the legal system
• How have the roles of barristers and solicitors overlapped?

  Solicitors can now represent clients in court
• What are the advantages of judicial independence?

  Fairness, protection of rights, public confidence
• What is the role of justices of the Supreme Court?

  Final court of appeal for civil matters
• Who are the Lord Justices of Appeal?

  Judges in the Court of Appeal
• What do High Court judges do?

  Hear complex cases in the High Court