The document describes the training and qualifications needed to become a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales. It explains that both careers require obtaining a law degree or conversion course, then completing vocational legal training which for solicitors is the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and for barristers is the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Barristers must also join an Inn of Court and complete pupillage which includes working under supervision. The document compares aspects of the two careers such as rights of audience and areas of specialization, noting that some changes have recently allowed solicitors to obtain increased advocacy rights. It raises the question of whether the professions should be more closely linked or "fused" in their training.

1. If this is the answer, what is the question?Write your answer on the mini-whiteboard! £55,000 Estimated cost of training to be a lawyer in England and Wales!

2. Legal Profession:Barristers and Solicitors Training & Work aka “What do they do and how do you become one?” Miss Hart G151 2010-11

3. So how do you start? You just have to decide what to study at university! Law degree Non-law degree This must include seven key areas to be a “qualifying law degree”* * Otherwise you might have to do more courses! CPE/GDL The seven areas are:

5. Often self-funded… costing over £14,500 per year

7. Often funded by the training contract provider, however this means that you have to work for them for a while.

8. Costs… around £15,000 a year.Areas covered: Called to the Bar

9. Can you identify any issues so far? Developing AO2 Issue Because Suggestion

10. Starter:Which words are which? Pupillage Inn of court LPC LPC Training Contract Training Contract Tenancy Tenancy Roll Roll

12. large multinational,

13. local solicitor’s firm

14. local government

15. CPS etc.Apply as early as possible! (2nd year of undergraduate!) Vacation schemes You will actually get paid! £18,590/ £16,650 Professional Skills Course(Your TC provider must give you the time off and pay for it!)

17. Shadowing;

18. Drafting opinions;

20. CPSetc.Provisional Practice Certificate End of first six… Once completed the compulsory: Advocacy training course Practice management course

21. So, you make it through all that… Entry onto the Roll Assistant Solicitor Tenancy

22. Need some help? Hit the board! AO2 Developing CriticismHow effective is the current system? In 2007, 1480 people completed the BTPC, but only 503 obtained pupilage, and the numbers are similar for the LPC. It is unfair to allow so many on the course, when there is no job , or even a chance of one at the end of it. The Inns provide over £4 million of scholarships annually and many TC providers pay the fees for their future trainees. The dinners allow students to make working contacts and relationships, which they may not otherwise be able to make, and are important to the self-employed Bar. The trainee can spend 4 or 5 years studying the law, and the theory of practicing it, but only 6 months before they begin the actual practice of the law Why should people have to make the decision at the age of 22? Many of the skills overlap and it prevents the evolution of the roles of lawyers. If their work is fusing why shouldn’t the training? It allows only the most suitable students to be accepted, and prevents the high number of people who never obtain pupillage It assess potential, not ability and is also not used for solicitors, so seems unfair and makes barristers seem like the elite.

23. Year 12 Homework This will be due on the last lesson before half term (Friday 18th February 2011), and your task is to complete one of the following tasks. Which one, is up to you. Either: Describe the qualification and work of both barristers and solicitors [18] Or Produce a guide for Year 11 on becoming a lawyer, giving them advice about the training and work done.

24. So, who (or what) is being described? You might say I rent, though I’m all on my own. I used to have a master, but not any more. I can be independent or employed. I will be called to it, but not drunk at it. I might be frightened, but won’t wig out. I am… a barrister ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

25. Solicitors & Work Look at the wordle below... What information about their work can you extract?

26. Magic Circle Advocacy Allen & Overy Clifford Chance Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Linklaters Slaughter and May Preparing the case or a question of law to go to a Barrister Representing clients in court, tribunals, negotiations or arbitration. Preparing instructions Local Firm This means that you might work within a large company, dealing with in-house legal matters Buying and selling houses, wills, divorce, advising rights, injury compensation, work disputes, criminal etc. Commercial Employed Solicitor Probate Coveyancing By local government, CPS or the GLS. As well as prosecuting people, this could include advising on legislation and services to the public e.g. Construction.

28. Coroners courts

29. Magistrates’ courts

30. County courts

32. the High Court

33. the Court of Appeal

36. Bar Direct (limited to certain professions, becuase they are already experts)

37. Direct Access from 2003 (but not in criminal or family)

38. Cab Rank RuleSelf Employed Rights of Audience Automatic Full rights... But needs to complete training (at least 3 years with a lawyer who has had these rights for 6 years) to be able to exercise those rights Chambers Type of Work Barristers provide specialist legal advice and represent their clients in courts and tribunals A group of barristers – they tend to be specialists in the same area

39. Comparing Professions

40. Finally: Fusion Should the two professions be more closely linked?