Solicitors are legal professionals who are qualified to offer highly specialised legal advice on many different aspects of law. Solicitors in the UK are instructed by clients and provide qualified advice in order to guide them through legal procedures.
Which areas of the law do solicitors specialise in?
There are 24 different areas of the law in the UK, each of which requires certain skills and qualifications. Solicitors can specialise in a variety of practice areas, including family law and conveyancing.
The responsibilities of solicitors on a day-to-day basis can vary greatly, depending on client and case needs. Everyday responsibilities may include creating legal documents such as a Declaration of Trust, which ensures the interests of joint owners of a property are protected. More information about a Declaration of Trust can be found here: https://www.parachutelaw.co.uk/deed-of-trust.
What qualifications do solicitors need?
In order to qualify in England and Wales, aspiring solicitors must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). The SQE is replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC), which will be completely phased out by 2032.
There are several stages within the new SQE route, which include a degree, passing the SQE1 and SQE 2, and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Aspiring solicitors who do not have an undergraduate law degree will need to build upon their legal knowledge via a Postgraduate Diploma in Law or an MA in Law.
It is also possible to become a solicitor if you don’t want to go down the traditional University pathway. During a Legal Apprenticeship programme, trainee solicitors will work within a law firm for up to seven years on an 80% work and 20% study basis.
What skills do solicitors require?
Solicitors must possess a professional attitude to their work and remain committed to respecting the need for confidentiality. Other valuable skills include the ability to solve complex problems, negotiate in pressurised situations, communicate in writing and orally, and maintain excellent interpersonal skills.
What does an associate solicitor do?
Associate solicitors offer support on cases being handled by the law firm they are employed by. Associate solicitors occupy a senior assistant-style role and will often progress to become a partner.
Is there a difference between a solicitor and a lawyer?
The term lawyer broadly refers to anyone who is qualified to represent clients and offer legal advice, which includes barristers and solicitors. In the UK, lawyer and solicitor can be used interchangeably.
