Legal personnel

Barristers, solicitors, and legal executives are legal professionals who provide legal services to clients in England and Wales. They have different roles and qualifications, and are regulated by different bodies.

Role of Barristers: 

Barristers are legal professionals who specialize in advocacy and providing legal advice. They are self-employed and work in chambers. Barristers are often instructed by solicitors to represent clients in court. They provide specialist legal advice to clients and assist in drafting legal documents. Barristers can also act as arbitrators, mediators, or adjudicators.

Regulation of Barristers: 

Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), which sets standards for training, conduct, and continuing professional development. The BSB is an independent body that oversees barristers’ education, training, and professional conduct. Barristers must complete a Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and pupillage before they can be called to the Bar and practice as a barrister.

Role of Solicitors: Solicitors are legal professionals who provide legal advice and represent clients in court. They have direct contact with clients and are responsible for managing their cases from start to finish. Solicitors can work in private practice or in-house for organizations. They provide legal advice, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court.

Regulation of Solicitors: Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which sets standards for training, conduct, and continuing professional development. The SRA is an independent body that oversees solicitors’ education, training, and professional conduct. Solicitors must complete a Legal Practice Course (LPC) and a two-year training contract before they can qualify and practice as a solicitor.

Role of Legal Executives: Legal executives are legal professionals who are qualified to provide legal advice and representation in certain areas of law. They are trained in the same way as solicitors but specialize in a specific area of law. Legal executives can work in private practice or in-house for organizations. They provide legal advice, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court.

Regulation of Legal Executives: Legal executives are regulated by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), which sets standards for training, conduct, and continuing professional development. The CILEx is an independent body that oversees legal executives’ education, training, and professional conduct. Legal executives must complete the CILEx Professional Qualification before they can qualify and practice as a legal executive.

In summary, barristers, solicitors, and legal executives are legal professionals who provide different types of legal services to clients in England and Wales. They are regulated by independent bodies that set standards for training, conduct, and continuing professional development..