You’re probably well aware of what a lawyer is, but you’ve undoubtedly heard the numerous interchangeable titles as well such as solicitors, partners, barristers, and legal executives among many others. What’s the difference between all of these so-called lawyers?
Lawyer is a term ascribed to anyone that works, studies or participates in the field of law. For example, even a university student may call themselves a lawyer without having the proper licensing in place.
There are many specialized fields of law, and based on what kinds of services you need, the list of lawyers you may need to hire for your cause may change. Below is a list we have put together at Felicetti Law Firm of the most common references of those that practice in the field of law.
Solicitors
When you need any type of law advice or service, technically a solicitor is the first professional people choose. They work in offices, some of them in better neighborhoods than others.
Solicitors are also highly qualified and rigorously tested for years in order to advise in the field of law. Many will specialize in a certain field and, therefore, they can help you with specific problems. The Solicitors Regulation Authority is responsible for ensuring that all practitioners of the law pass academic and vocational training. The training period for a solicitor is about two years and they have a contract for the time spent working.
Legal Executives
When it comes to legal executives, they are only allowed to practice a certain field of law such as employment or divorce. They are also subjected to rigorous testing and high standards before being allowed to openly practice law. Trainee legal executives are given the name because they have not yet completed their required vocational training.
Barristers
Though they work in the field of law, they’re easily identifiable by the fact that they’re self-employed. This means that civilians are generally unable to hire them without direct intervention from solicitors. Barristers are also members of chambers which are a fellowship of other barristers where expenses are shared.
It is also important to note that barristers are able to represent clients in a higher court. They may also help solicitors by giving advice during tricky or difficult situations. They must undergo testing by the Bar Standards Board and they have strict guidelines to adhere to much like other lawyers.
Other Common Terms
Legal assistants, paralegals, and licensed conveyancers are also some commonly used terms that represent lawyers. Legal assistants and paralegals are different in that they work in the field of law, but they don’t need nor have any special training or qualifications. On the other hand, licensed conveyancers are required to receive the necessary training as well as qualifications to practice law.
Having said that, paralegals and legal assistants never receive as much praise as they actually deserve. Though not as seemingly “qualified” as other lawyers or employees in the field of law, they often obtain vast amounts of knowledge that can rival that of the best barristers!
