barristers, solicitors and legal executives

What are the three main types of legal personnel in England and Wales?

Barristers, solicitors, and legal executives.

What is the main role of a barrister?

Advocacy in higher courts, providing specialist legal opinions, and drafting complex legal documents.

Approximately how many practising barristers are there in England and Wales?

Around 16,000.

What organisation must all practising barristers be members of?

One of the four Inns of Court: Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, or Gray's Inn.

What qualifications are required to become a barrister?

A qualifying law degree or a non-law degree + GDL, followed by the Bar Training Course (BTC) and a one-year pupillage.

What is pupillage and how is it structured?

A one-year practical training under the supervision of an experienced barrister; usually split into two six-month periods (non-practising and practising).

What does "tenancy" mean in the context of barristers?

Permanent position in a set of chambers after pupillage.

What is the Cab Rank Rule?

Barristers must accept any case within their competence and availability, regardless of personal feelings, if they are offered the standard fee.

What regulatory body governs barristers?

The Bar Standards Board (BSB).

What are the Bar Standards Board's functions?

Sets training standards, enforces professional conduct rules, investigates complaints, and can discipline barristers.

What is the main role of a solicitor?

Providing legal advice to clients, conducting litigation, drafting documents, and, increasingly, advocacy in lower and some higher courts.

How many solicitors are there in England and Wales?

Over 150,000 on the Roll of Solicitors.

What qualifications are required to become a solicitor (new route from 2021)?

Law degree or equivalent + SQE1 & SQE2 exams + two years' Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?

A two-part exam (SQE1: legal knowledge; SQE2: practical skills) introduced in 2021 to standardise solicitor training.

What organisation regulates solicitors?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

What are the SRA's functions?

Sets training standards, enforces the Code of Conduct, investigates complaints, and can discipline or strike off solicitors.

What type of advocacy rights do solicitors have?

All solicitors have rights of audience in lower courts; they can apply for higher rights of audience via further training to become solicitor-advocates.

What is a legal executive?

A qualified legal professional who is not a solicitor or barrister but specialises in a specific area of law and can perform similar work.

What qualifications are needed to become a legal executive?

Completion of the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) route or Level 3 and Level 6 diplomas in law + qualifying work experience.

What does CILEX stand for and what is its role?

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives; it trains and regulates legal executives.

What rights of audience do legal executives have?

Limited rights—mainly in County and Magistrates' Courts; can gain more through additional advocacy training

Who regulates legal executives?

CILEX Regulation.

What are the advantages of becoming a legal executive over a solicitor?

More flexible entry, lower cost of training, and ability to specialise early in a specific legal area.

Compare the training routes for barristers, solicitors, and legal executives.

• Barristers: Degree → BTC → Pupillage

• Solicitors: Degree → SQE → 2 years QWE

• Legal Executives: CPQ or CILEX Diploma → Work Experience

What are the key differences in rights of audience between legal personnel?

• Barristers: Full rights in all courts

• Solicitors: Lower courts; higher rights possible via training

• Legal Executives: Limited; can be extended with further training

Why might someone choose to become a legal executive instead of a solicitor or barrister?

More affordable, flexible entry; allows early specialisation; ideal for those working while training.