(1) Describe the stages in qualifying as a solicitor (10 marks) (2) Describe & compare the work of a barrister, solicitor and legal executive (

Authors Avatar

  1. Describe the stages in qualifying as a solicitor (10 marks)
  2. Describe & compare the work of a barrister, solicitor and legal executive (20 marks)

There are many ways in which to qualify as a solicitor. There are three main routes. The quickest way is to have an A-level in law first which would take roughly up to two years, or something equivalent to that, the next stage to that would be to do a law degree, this also takes two-three years.  The next step is to do the one year legal practise course. This would be followed by a two year training period. Once you have completed these four steps you have qualified as a solicitor. Usually this route takes 7 years altogether. The second route is where you have got an A-level (or equivalent) and you want to take a degree in another subject. If this is the case then you would have to take the common professional examination, which is a one year law course, then after that the legal practise course (is one year) and then do the two year training period and you would then qualify as a solicitor, this route would take at least nine years. The third route is the longest route in becoming a solicitor. If all you have is 4 GSCE’s and want to qualify as a solicitor, then you have to do the exams of ‘institute of legal executives’ part one and two. After that you would have to work in solicitor’s office for two years. From this you would have to be admitted as a fellow of institute of legal executives, with this you must be over 25 and you must have also worked in a solicitor’s office for five years or more. When this has been completed you will the have to do the legal practise course for a year or you can do the two year training course along with passing all the final exams. When you have done this you have qualified as a solicitor, most people find that this is the longest route to qualify and can take up to 13 years. Which ever route you choose you must complete all stages otherwise you will not qualify. During the training in each the trainee will be paid, although it will not be the same amount as what the actual solicitor’s get it will be a trainee rate. Even after a solicitor has qualified they will still have to keep attending education courses so that their knowledge is kept up to date.

Join now!

There is also another route in which the non graduates can qualify as solicitors, if they become legal executives first. This route will only be eligible to candidates who are mature enough, and this route will take longer than what the graduate route would.

 There are a lot of expenses to pay when becoming a solicitor, especially in the training process. This is because there is a financial problem and students will usually have to pay the fees of the Legal Practise Course and it can cosy anything up to £7000. Also they will then have to support themselves during ...

This is a preview of the whole essay