LEGAL ROLES E&W

view coursebook for 'typical tasks' and 'right of audience'

Solicitor

Client-facing lawyer, prepares cases, contracts; some advocacy in lower courts; qualifies via SQE + QWE. 

Barrister

Barrister: specialist advocate; independent bar; pupillage then tenancy; instructed by solicitors.

King's Counsel (KC) (“silk”)

Senior barrister appointed following selection; formerly QC; title used in court and on pleadings.

Solicitor Advocate

Solicitor with Higher Rights of Audience (criminal/civil).

Prosecutor

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutors; advocacy often by self-employed barristers/solicitor advocates.

Judge

Appointed, largely from senior practitioners.

Magistrate

Magistrate (lay) or District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts).

Notary

Notary (England & Wales): specialist lawyer for deeds with international effect.

Paralegal

Non-lawyer roles supporting casework; CILEX route for legal executives.

_{The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) is the professional body for paralegals.}