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Welcome to our online solicitor resource that makes finding a solicitor that much easier and takes the headache and potential risk out of selecting from unrecomended solicitor firms. This section on our site has resources to help you find and instruct a solicitor online. Finding a solicitor can be a difficult task because the matter at hand is usually complicated or sensitive in some way. For this reason finding a solicitor you have confidence in is essential. All of the solicitors featured on our website have agreed to us providing an impartial reviews section. In the solicitor reviews selection people who have hired a solicitor through this site can place a review and a summary of their experience. We operate a dispute resolution to ensure that reviews are fair and that you can have confidence in the fact that the review (good or bad) is accurate.
A solicitor is a person who can conduct court proceedings. They are in effect someone with the ability to handle legal matters. In the UK the legal profession is split into two different sections; you have solicitors and barristers. Typically a solicitor will handle matters outside of the courts, though they can certainly help with court proceedings if necessary. A solicitor must have proper training and qualifications. They do this by obtaining a law degree. They will then enrol in the Law Society as a member. In this way they obtain one year of training and are registered to work as a solicitor. There is a test one must pass in order to conduct court proceedings, which has delineated the line between solicitors and barristers even further. Barristers usually act as advocates of the court for organisations. In most cases barristers are not able to conduct litigation in matrimonial matters.
Understanding what a solicitor is can help you find the correct legal counsel. There are a number of situations in which you might find yourself needing a solicitor. To help you in finding the right solicitor we will look at when a solicitor might be needed. Solicitors are not the only individuals who can help you in a court or legal matter. However, it often benefits you to have a qualified professional who is familiar with legal laws to ensure your matter is being taken care of properly.
The Law Society website is a great resource for you to use when you are looking for a solicitor. You can also go to www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk to get help. By using the internet Law Society site you will be finding names of active individuals. This means any solicitor you call from that list is able to practice law. You should look at the website for the type of lawyer you need. It is broken down by specialty. For example if you need a lawyer for estate planning or personal injury you want someone who has trained in that field. Solicitors tend to be specific in their abilities to best help you in a situation.
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When you are ready to consult with a solicitor you should make an appointment but to do this you first have to find a solicitor. Finding a solicitor usually involves some research. Going on a third party’s recommendation is generally a good approach. You will need to bring with you the documentation or information you have regarding what services you need. Solicitors may require a fee for the appointment made. They may also wait until they have heard what services you need and whether they can help you. Typically once the solicitor is aware of the issue they will need time to determine what fees may apply to your case.
If this is an interview to determine if you want to hire them you do need to make that clear. You will then need to ask how they would handle the situation, what their steps would be, and the time scale. The solicitor may not be eligible to help you depending on the issue, which is also another reason for the first interview. In the UK, the role of a solicitor is mainly to advise on legal matters outside of court, although some do not instruct barristers and carry out their own advocacy work. Make sure that you find a solicitor that is experienced in the sector of law on which you want advice.
Generally, a solicitor will carry out office based work, taking on new clients, listening to their issues and then giving advice on it, drafting any letters and documents that are needed and, if appropriate, preparing the necessary bundles of evidence for trial. The solicitor will then instruct a barrister on the client’s behalf to proceed with the hearing in Court.
The traditional route to qualify as a solicitor is to complete a law degree then go on to complete a legal practice course (“LPC”), which will give the individual the necessary skills to carry out the role of a solicitor. A two year training contract with a law firm (or legal centre of a local authority or business) will then follow. These two years help to cement the knowledge and skills that have been acquired throughout the LPC. During this time the trainee will move around different areas of the firm, acquiring skills in the various “seats”. The trainee will be expected to see clients and manage a caseload whilst being closely monitored by solicitor colleagues within the team.
During the two year training contract the trainee will also be required to complete a “Professional Skills Course” which will further the trainee’s knowledge and skills attained during the LPC. Once this, and the two years have been successfully completed, the trainee is then able to apply to Master of the Rolls to be “admitted to the roll”, the list of all solicitors of the Supreme Court. Once completed, a legal practising certificate can be applied for.
If an individual has a different degree, they are able to complete a law conversion course and then begin the LPC and follow the same route as outlined above. It is also possible to complete an ILEX professional qualification in law, whilst working in a legal environment and then studying some further “Higher Diplomas” and then go on to the LPC as outlined above. Some people who complete this route find they do not need to complete a two year training contract as they are already in a legal environment during their ILEX studies.
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