solicitors and barristers

• What is the role of solicitors?

  Provide legal advice and representation
• What is the role of barristers?

  Advocacy and legal representation in court
• What qualifications are needed to become a solicitor?

  Undergraduate qualifying law degree or non-law degree
• What subjects are covered in a qualifying law degree?

  Contract, Tort, Public law, Criminal law
• What is the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)?

  A new system replacing the LPC for solicitors
• How is the SQE structured?

  It has two stages: SQE1 and SQE2
• What does SQE1 test?

  Functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions
• What subjects are included in SQE1?

  Business law, Tort law, Contract law
• What does SQE2 assess?

  Practical legal skills through various exercises
• How long does SQE2 take to complete?

  5 days
• What is the cost of the SQE?

  £3,980 excluding course preparation
• What is the qualifying process for law graduates?

  Complete a law degree, then SQE1 and SQE2
• What is the qualifying process for non-law graduates?

  Complete a non-law degree, optional SQE1 prep, then SQE1 and SQE2
• What is the purpose of qualifying work experience?

  To gain practical experience in law firms
• How long is the qualifying work experience?

  2 years
• What happens after becoming qualified as a solicitor?

  Added to the Roll of Solicitors
• What is the role of solicitors in legal aid work?

  Provide legal services to those who qualify
• What is the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)?

  A conversion course for non-law graduates
• What is required to gain admission to the Bar?

  Membership in one of the Inns of Court
• How many qualifying sessions must a barrister complete?

  10 qualifying sessions
• What is the Bar Course?

  A postgraduate course for aspiring barristers
• What is the cost range of the Bar Course?

  £12,000 to £19,500
• What is the competition rate for the Bar?

  Approximately 9.5% of applicants get a place
• What is the difference between the first and final six months of pupillage?

  First six months are non-practising, final six months are practising
• What is the Cab Rank Rule?

  Self-employed barristers must accept cases in expertise
• What can solicitors be sued for?

  Breach of contract and negligence
• What is the significance of Griffith v Dawson 1993?

  It established grounds for suing solicitors
• What is the significance of Hall v Simons [2000]?

  It clarified negligence standards for barristers
• What is a King's Counsel (KC)?

  A senior barrister recognized as an expert
• What is the salary range for criminal KCs?

  £200,000 to £425,000
• How does a legal executive's training differ from solicitors?

  More specialized, focusing on a single area of law
• What is the role of the Legal Services Board?

  Oversight regulator of legal services in England and Wales
• What does the Legal Ombudsman do?

  Investigates complaints against legal service providers
• What are the main challenges facing graduates wishing to become solicitors or barristers?

  • High competition for training positions
  • Financial burden of education and training
  • Navigating complex qualification processes
• What are the graduate routes to qualifying as a solicitor or barrister?

  1. Undergraduate qualifying law degree or non-law degree
  2. Complete SQE for solicitors or Bar Course for barristers
  3. Gain practical experience through work placements or pupillage
• What are the key differences in the roles of solicitors and barristers?

  • Solicitors: Provide legal advice, represent clients in lower courts
  • Barristers: Specialize in advocacy, represent clients in all courts
• What are the stages of training for solicitors?

  1. Undergraduate law degree or non-law degree
  2. SQE1 and SQE2 exams
  3. Qualifying work experience
  4. Admission to the Roll of Solicitors
• What are the stages of training for barristers?

  1. Undergraduate law degree or non-law degree + GDL
  2. Membership in an Inn of Court
  3. Bar Course
  4. Pupillage
• What are the implications of the Legal Services Act 2007 for solicitors?

  • Full rights of audience for solicitors
  • Ability to represent clients in higher courts
• What is the significance of the Cab Rank Rule for barristers?

  • Ensures barristers accept cases within expertise
  • Promotes access to justice for clients