Legal Personnel - English Legal System

Legal PersonnelThe judiciary:Appointed by the Judicial Appointments Commission are responsible for appointing/recommending judges for appointment.Usually judges started as barristers and started off with part time judicial work. Can now also be solicitors.The independence of the judiciary from the legislature is EXTREMELY important and fundamental principle of the English Legal System.Solicitors:Usually the first port of callGive legal advice, draft documents and now often advocacyMight be very general legal work or specialiseMost form partnerships but could work in house as solicitors for large organisationsProfessional body = Law Society. When training, do 2 year training contracts before qualifying.Barristers:Usually the client is instructed by the solicitor to go and see a particular barrister and take cases under the cab rank rule (first come first serve basis)Senior barristers known as Queens Council/SilksAct as advocates in all courts (with wigs & gowns), write opinions on law and draft legal documentsUsually specialiseUsually self employed sitting in chambers (sharing overheads & a clerk with other barristers) Professional body = Bar CouncilDo a pupillage for 1 year before qualifying.

Legal executives:May work in a variety of legal areas/specialiseTrained in law but no law degreeProfessional body - Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX)Paralegals:Carries out legal work but not a solicitor/barrister/legal execNo formal qualifications are neededProfessional body - Institute of Paralegals

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