Legal personnel

• What are the two types of lawyers in England and Wales?

  Barristers and solicitors
• What is the collective term for barristers and solicitors?

  The legal profession
• Who works in solicitors' firms but is not fully qualified as a solicitor?

  Legal executives
• How were the roles of barristers and solicitors different until the end of the last century?

  Barristers presented cases; solicitors did office work
• What recent changes have occurred regarding the roles of barristers and solicitors?

  Both can now present cases in court
• How many solicitors have higher rights to present cases in court?

  About 6,500 solicitors
• Can the public go directly to a barrister in criminal cases?

  No, there is no direct access
• What preparatory work can both barristers and solicitors do in civil cases?

  Interviewing clients, writing letters, negotiation
• How many solicitors are practicing in England and Wales?

  About 136,000 solicitors
• Who controls the solicitors practicing in England and Wales?

  The Law Society
• How many solicitors are in private practice?

  About 90,000 solicitors
• What types of organizations might solicitors work for besides private practice?

  Local government, CPS, private businesses
• What types of legal work do solicitors typically engage in?

  Negotiation, drafting contracts, advising clients
• What is a common practice among solicitors regarding specialization?

  Most specialize in one area of law
• What might a solicitor do if a court appearance is necessary?

  Brief a barrister or seek their opinion
• In which courts can solicitors advocate if they pass the necessary assessments?

  Magistrates' Court and County Court
• What does the Legal Services Act 2007 allow?

  All legal practices to be regulated
• Who is the governing body of solicitors?

  The Law Society
• What does the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) handle?

  Complaints about professional misconduct
• What can clients do if they feel a solicitor has breached conduct principles?

  Make a complaint to the SRA
• What powers does the SRA have regarding misconduct investigations?

  Investigate and require explanations from solicitors
• What does the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal do?

  Reviews evidence of serious professional misconduct
• What actions can the Tribunal take against a solicitor?

  Fine, reprimand, suspend, or strike off
• Under what circumstances can a solicitor be struck off the Roll?

  In rare cases by the Tribunal
• What landmark case allows clients to sue solicitors for negligence?

  Hall v Simmons
• How many barristers are self-employed in England and Wales?

  About 12,700 barristers
• Where do most barristers work from?

  From a set of chambers
• How many barristers are employed by organizations?

  About 3,000 barristers
• What is the primary focus of barristers practicing at the Bar?

  Advocacy in court
• What can barristers do after ten years of practice?

  Apply to become a King's Counsel
• What does the Legal Services Act 2007 allow?

  All legal practices to be regulated
• What organization represents barristers in England and Wales?

  General Council of the Bar
• What role does the General Council of the Bar fulfill?

  Represents the interests of the Bar
• What does the Bar Standards Board do?

  Investigates breaches of the Code of Conduct
• What are the possible sanctions a tribunal can impose on a barrister?

  Reprimand, training, fine, suspend, disbar
• What is the maximum fine a barrister can face?

  £50,000
• Who deals with complaints against barristers?

  Office for Legal Complaints
• What power does the Legal Ombudsman have regarding complaints?

  Ask barristers to apologize or refund
• What can the Legal Ombudsman require barristers to do?

  Put things right if possible
• What is the maximum compensation legal executives can pay?

  €30,000