(Legal Profession OCR sample question)

Describe & explain the training and work of solicitors [20]

To become a solicitor it is usual to have a degree. A non- graduate must spend an extra [?] after university on the C , which gives a grounding in essential legal subjects - eg, contract, crime, tort, trusts, etc.

The L () lasts . It is designed to provide practical skills - eg, client [?], [?], drafting and negotiating skills - as well as legal procedural knowledge - eg, how to sue and defend in the county court. There is also an emphasis on [?] management, for example keeping accounts. It can be taken at one of the Colleges of Law or one of several [?].

Even when the [?] has been passed, the student is still not a solicitor. He or she must next obtain a under which they work in a solicitors' firm for years, getting practical experience. This training period can also be undertaken in certain other legal organisations such as the [?], or the department of a local authority. Trainee solicitors will be paid, though not at the same rate as a fully solicitor. Trainees do their own work, supervised by a solicitor.

The trainee solicitor will also have to complete a -day P which builds on the skills learnt on the . At the end of two years, the trainee will be admitted as a solicitor by the [?] and their name will be added to the roll of solicitors, maintained by the of the . Even after qualifying, solicitors have to attend continuing education courses to keep their knowledge to .

The of solicitors is varied. It largely involves [?] work. This includes (the legal aspects of buying and selling land), drawing up and administering wills ( work) and contracts, as well as giving and oral legal [?].

Solicitors are needed for [?] in the civil courts and can act as [?] in the lower courts (Magistrates' Court and County Court) or in the higher courts if they have an certificate. Due to the to 1999 ( 1999), all solicitors will automatically be given rights of audience to represent a client in court. New requirements have not yet been implemented to allow this.

A small - firm will be a [?] practice, advising clients an a wide variety of topics, such as housing problems, business matters and family problems. Large [?] firms may [?] in a few areas of law, usually and commercial law.