Criminal justice system

What are the roles of solicitors?

Are the first point of contact for a client

Provides legal advice, explain rights and guide clients through the process

What are the roles of barristers?

Are specialist court room advocates, particularly in higher courts

Provide expert legal opinions on complex points of law

What are the roles of legal executives?

Are qualified lawyers who specialize in particular areas of law

Undertakes a similar role of solicitors - has additional qualifications

How are legal professionals paid for their work in criminal trials?

Private funding

Legal aid

Fixed fees

Publicly Funded Advocates (barristers),paid through AGFS

What regulatory bodies oversee solicitors?

SRA

What does the SRA mean?

Solicitors Regulation Authority

What regulatory bodies oversee barristers?

BSB

What does the BSB mean?

Bar Standards Board

What regulatory bodies oversee legal executives?

CILEx Regulation

What does CILEx stand for?

Chartered Institute of Legal Regulation

How can complaints be made against legal professionals?

Can be made directly to the law firm/chambers if unresolved

Can be escalated to regulators

What outcomes are possible after making complains against legal professionals?

An apology or explanation

Refund/reduction of fees

Compensation for distress

Disciplinary action against the lawyer

What legal advice is available to individuals at the police station?

Free legal advice for all under the duty solicitor scheme, a right to own solicitor (legal aid/funded privately)

How is representation funded at the magistrates’ court?

Through legal aid or private funding

What does legal aid mean?

A system that uses public funds to help people who can’t afford a solicitor/barrister.