Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
Entering law school can be very exciting. However, many students feel a sense of dread because they don't know how they are going to pay for it. Luckily, there are plenty of options that may fit whatever circumstance you are facing. Here are just a few of the ways you can pay for your post-graduate education.
You should always check out free money over all else. This free money is called grants and does not need to be repaid unless you drop out of school. While grant money will not cover all of your tuition, it could cover a good portion of it. Check with the financial aid office at your college to learn about which grant programs may be available to you. Unfortunately, the most-known grant program, the Pell Grant, may not be available to you as it is set aside typically for undergraduate students only.
By the time you reach law school, you should have access to many more scholarship opportunities than you did as an undergraduate. These scholarships will be much more specific to what you are going for. Just as with grant money, these do not have to be repaid after graduation. Have the financial aid officer help you to apply as there are hundreds, if not thousands, of scholarships available and you will need to narrow them down to the ones that actually apply to you.
Most people don't think about applying for student loans from private lenders, but they are a great way to get help paying for your schooling. Many graduates find that they are much easier to negotiate with if you need to adjust your payments. There is also the little-recognised fact that by borrowing from a private lender, you have the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with that lender that you can use later in your life, such as if you need an auto loan or a home loan. If you are wondering how much your payments might be after you graduate, most lenders offer a student loan repayment calculator to help with your calculations.
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Many law schools offer work-study programs that allow the student to work and earn money. Since it is a real job, you can spend the money however you see fit, but you may want to use at least a portion of it to help pay your school expenses. This will leave you with less money you have to repay in the future. A huge benefit about work-study is that the job schedules are tailored to your school schedule, so you never have to worry about having to skip a class to get to your job or vice-versa.
There are certain types of loans that may be forgiven in their entirety if you meet certain guidelines, such as practicing law in low-income areas of the country or if you work in the legal department for non-profit organizations. Check your financial aid office to verify which loans would qualify for this and what you need to do to have them forgiven.
Alistair Vigier, CEO of ClearWay Law, examines the video turned social media phenomenon and what it has to say about the struggles encountered by many lawyers today.
For those of you that haven’t seen it, I’ve included a link to the cat attorney video below. Chances are you’ve already watched it many times. The video is hilarious and cute. However, it shows a deep problem going on in society that no one talks about.
That issue is that people are struggling to get the court orders they need because of how “old school” many lawyers are. Lawyers in their 70s and 80s have been forced to adjust to many decades of technology, and it hasn’t been going smoothly.
The other issue is that people don’t seem to appreciate how stressful it is to go to court. People love making fun of attorneys, but when people get in trouble and go through a divorce or lawsuit, it’s the attorney that’s there to help them. Attorneys deserve the same respect as doctors or nurses.
In this Insider article, it notes the attorney's past history. Was that really necessary? Is everything an opportunity to throw a lawyer under the bus? Lawyers are not politicians (yet.) They are not in the public light.
Everyone has had to adjust to video meetings due to COVID-19. There are videos on the internet of people using the toilet while on video with their co-workers, and an attorney having sex during a court hearing. This last week, an attorney had to explain to a judge that they are not a cat. Without a doubt, that will go down as one of the best court transcriptions of all time.
In the video, even with the cat filter on, it’s clear how stressed out the lawyer is. You can see it in the cat’s eyes. While the video is funny, I know how stressful it is when something goes wrong in court.
Some people have started sharing memes saying, “If your attorney looks like this, you are going to jail.” That’s harsh. I think the attorney handled the situation with grace. The lawyer said, “If I can make the country chuckle for a moment in these difficult times they’re going through, I’m happy to let them do that at my expense.” That’s classy and I respect that.
In the video, the “cat lawyer” was there representing Texas. So no, no one was going to jail because their attorney looked like a cat.
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What I found ironic was that the court had a notice on the screen saying that if someone records the hearing, they could be fined or go to jail. Because the situation was funny, the judge posted the video to YouTube, I assume without the attorney permission. While the court might have the right to do this, is it appropriate?
For the first time, the public has had a peek into how poorly attorneys and many courts have dealt with COVID-19. Lawyers had to adjust to fifty years of technology in a matter of days. Everyone did their best given the situation, but the legal industry shouldn’t have been so old school in the first place. This created too steep of a learning curve.
Prior to COVID-19, lawyers struggled with scanning documents, and many did not have websites. Law school teaches how the law was created in England centuries ago, instead of teaching law students how to use technology to improve their law practices.
I’ve had my own struggles. When there was an issue with noise at my home, I had to rush to the middle of a park to do a hearing.
I suggest law schools start adjusting for the present, and maybe the courts and lawyers will follow suit. These past eleven months have been brutal, and I can’t wait to get back into court in person.
Always remember, attorney cats are still attorneys, and they deserve your respect.
Over the past few weeks, we have discussed the ways in which lawyers, barristers and white collar workers have been impacted. But what about working people who want to acquire new skills and progress in the legal field?
In this article, we speak to Djakhongir Saidov (Professor of Commercial Law) and Anat Keller (Lecturer in Law) from The Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London. Sharing more about what King’s offers, they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying law remotely, succinctly summarising if and why it could be a viable option for those interested in the sector.
What do you believe are the main differences between on-campus and online study for law students?
One obvious difference is that online study does not require students to be physically present in London. Our online modules are designed, delivered and assessed in ways that enable our students to achieve the same quality of education and learning experience as those on campus. There are plenty of opportunities for students to explore topical themes and problems whilst interacting with each other in the ‘virtual’ classroom environment. We also deliver a high level of pastoral care and academic support, as we understand that our students are spread around the world.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning?
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
We don’t think online has any real disadvantages, to be honest. As we’ve all found this year, both online learning and working are very feasible given the technologies available. I think we would accept that there are differences to online learning, compared to in-person teaching. For instance:
Ultimately, what is an advantage or disadvantage depends on your priorities. If location is an important factor and you want to engage with university facilities, an on-campus course is ideal. But if life is busy and you wish to study alongside current commitments, then online learning will give you everything you need.
What impact does studying an online degree have on career progression?
Those who complete our online law course receive the same qualification and quality of education as our on-campus students. King’s provides world-class teaching and the same academic rigour for both modes of study. Our courses, whilst drawing on the strengths of English law, are designed in a way that is of use and value to anyone, regardless of their jurisdiction. These courses can be studied from anywhere and at any time. Online study provides a deep learning experience allowing you to continue with your career. This is not always possible with an on-campus course. While studying and being in full-time employment can be challenging, in our experience this has not hindered career progression in any way. The flexibility and various support mechanisms built into our programmes enable online students to control the pace of their studies.
What are common misconceptions people have when they opt for online courses?
One of the biggest misconceptions is, ‘will I feel like I am on my own?’. Online courses at King’s are well established in the world of education, and experienced academics are on hand to help you navigate through the course. Student Support Advisers are available to be a friendly voice at the end of the phone if you have any queries. Perhaps, the most important aspect of all is the global community of like-minded students. Discussion boards allow you to interact, exchange ideas with other students and make the most of the shared experience. Weekly live tutorials with tutors reproduce the on-campus experience and are a key tool for interacting with your peers and developing a thorough understanding of the material.
Another big misconception concerns the value of online courses and how an online qualification will be perceived. People may ask, ‘is an online degree real?’. The truth is that the courses have exactly the same value as those on-campus. This is reflected in the fact that the final qualification does not say ‘online’. It doesn’t need to. The online courses feature the same quality of teaching and learning, just in a more flexible way. Upon graduation, you will become part of the strong King’s alumni and benefit from the global support network that it provides throughout your entire career.
And finally, commitment. ‘Will I commit to studying if I’m at home?’ This is a very personal preference. Typically, our students are highly motivated and disciplined and find that all they need is a laptop and a quiet corner. As explained, the online LLM programme allows them to fit their learning around their existing careers and life commitments. For them, it is easier to commit when there is flexibility.
The biggest opportunity that face-to-face training presents is the ability to discuss, collaborate, practice and role play, all ‘live’ and with guidance from a facilitator on hand. How do these courses still allow students to gain the same skills?
At King’s, we have been running the online programmes for many years and have always searched for ways to reproduce the best features of the on-campus experience as effectively as possible, and blend them with the benefits and flexibility of the online format. In particular, the weekly online tutorials actively encourage an open and fluid interaction, both with the tutor and other students. The online discussion boards make interaction easy and form part of the assessment. Additionally, our virtual learning platform provides access to the innovatively designed teaching materials which include many interactive features.
How can students progress from qualifying online to practising in the real world?
Many of our online students are already practising and are highly successful professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge or advance their profile. Whatever the stage of your career, the global recognition of an LLM from King’s College London, one of the world’s top-ranking universities, carries the same weight whether it is online or on-campus.
The course materials are designed from both practical and analytical perspectives, incorporating world-leading and innovative research from our academics. We encourage students to share and debate the most topical themes and problems, drawing on their practical experience. This ensures that our courses are always dynamic, current, challenging and practical, and that students are equipped with both the knowledge and life-long critical thinking skills required to thrive throughout their career.
About The Dickson Poon School of Law
Our School offers a broad range of online postgraduate taught courses that will help you develop the expertise you need to succeed. Our academic staff encourage our students to think deeply about their studies and the contributions they want to make to society through their careers and throughout their lives. No matter which course of study you follow, you will benefit from the research-led teaching offered by King’s experts.
At King’s College London, we know that you can achieve your intellectual and legal aspirations regardless of your location. Our online students benefit from the same world-leading teaching and outstanding support as those who are on campus, whilst embracing the challenge alongside their career or life commitments.
We offer two online LLM programmes, designed to enable you to excel in your career and advance in your professional and intellectual development:
With a strong international focus, both courses will provide you with the knowledge you need to take on a legal or industry career wherever you are in the world.
You may work in one of these jobs for a few years and decide that returning to school is what you want after all. And if not? You have a career that is stable and allows you to provide a comfortable life for yourself.
Working as an attorney is demanding, and if it is not something you think you would enjoy, you should not go back to school. There are a variety of jobs available that allow you to get a better understanding of what a lawyer's job is like. Working in the legal field, but not as an attorney, is still rewarding, important work.
The first few years working in the field may offer lower pay. Once you gain experience, you can find employment at large firms that offer excellent compensation. Refinancing your student loans from undergraduate school allows you to save money while you build your career. If you are interested in exploring your options before committing to law school, consider one of these careers.
The duties of a legal secretary are similar to those of an administrative assistant. In a typical law office, the amount of paperwork, level of detail, and specific nature of the work require a higher level of training than would be required in many other offices. Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure are priorities.
There are certificates and degree programs that train you for this job. As a paralegal, you will be responsible for much of the paperwork involved in a case, such as performing research and drafting pleadings. The work is often fast-paced and deadline-driven. There can be an overlap between the work performed by the legal secretary and that performed by the paralegal. If you are interested in working in law, but do not feel confident in your background, this can be a great way to transition into the field. Strong administrative skills and an undergraduate degree are often enough to find a job as a legal secretary. You can then work your way up to a paralegal.
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If you are interested in a fast-paced position, a job as a court messenger may appeal to you. Court messengers spend their days delivering documents to and from courts and attorneys.
For people with strong attention to detail who want to work in the judicial system, working as a court clerk can be a good choice. The court clerk is responsible for managing the huge number of documents involved in every court case. Depending on the size of the court there can be several court clerks. You can find a job as an entry-level clerk and move up as you gain experience.
If you are interested in learning more about how court proceedings work, working as a stenographer gives you full access to the process. A stenographer transcribes proceedings as they are happening. Some areas are moving away from stenographers. Instead, the proceedings are taped, and a court reporter creates transcripts of the tape. While this does not give you full access to the courtroom, it does give you an inside look at how the judicial system works.
Do you imagine yourself fiercely defending people unjustly accused of crimes in a court of law, negotiating contracts for the top names in the film or music business as an entertainment attorney or fighting to save the environment using legal means? Perhaps you want to work as a high-powered corporate attorney or focus on human rights abuses, or maybe you want to help people with their bankruptcies or divorces. Maybe you hope to be a small-town district attorney or a big city federal prosecutor. Whatever type of legal career you envision for yourself, the first step is to pick the right law school that will help get you there. Cost, compatibility and rankings are all factors you should consider.
There are a few things to keep in mind as you look at cost. It is important to have a sense of balance. If you want to go into an area that pays less, such as human rights or environmental law, you may not want to take on the highest debt. On the other hand, choosing a school that isn't really right for you because it's $15,000 cheaper than a better fit is probably not a great trade-off either. Ultimately, if you can't pay for it, you can't go there, but law school may be more affordable than you think. With a combination of student loans, savings, money earned while in school, grants and scholarships, you should be able to cover tuition, room and board. Keep in mind that there may be a number of private student loans available. The best private loans for students will have low interest rates and these are often quick and relatively easy to apply for online.
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Compatibility can mean making sure the school has a focus in the area of law that interests you, but there's more to it than that. Schools have different atmospheres. You might be looking for a particularly competitive environment, or you may want one that encourages building relationships and helping one another. It's also worth looking at the location itself. Going to law school in a big city might be very different from attending one in a small town. You may also have a preference about the size of the law school itself.
Like compatibility, there is more to rankings than meets the eye. Everyone may know what the top 10 law schools are, but that doesn't mean they are right for you. You may want to prioritise such factors as how many graduates get jobs in the legal field, how many students who attend pass the bar and what the student body is like. Prestige might also be a factor for you. You should also consider how likely you are to be admitted to the school. If it's a long shot, that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply, but it is usually a good idea to have at least one safe school, at least one you have a good chance to get into and at least one that is an ambitious leap for you.
The last three months have most likely changed the way we live and work forever. As a profession we have turned to technologies such as video conferencing that many within the legal services professions might have previously seen as a suboptimal way of servicing clients, but which turn out to have found favour. Mark Lello, Partner and Notary Public at Parker Bullen LLP, explores the failings of traditional law training programmes and how the COVID-19 crisis has exposed them.
Necessity has also seen calls for changes in the law, for example in for example in the move towards electronic signing and witnessing of wills, something that we have been demanding for a long time, because even before COVID-19 many clients had mobility issues. I should add that we still see a similar need for change in notarial services.
But perhaps the most stark change is how we have had to manage our business in times of crisis, and how this has called for skills which are lacking by too many within our profession.
Crises of one sort or another are cyclical. Thirteen years ago we suffered a global financial meltdown and nineteen years ago the world was shocked by the events of 9/11. Thankfully such crises are infrequent, but the result is that there will be a large number of Partners across the UK who have never experienced business turmoil, and have limited experience and knowledge to call upon.
Crises of one sort or another are cyclical.
But it’s not just crises that many lawyer trainee programmes fail to address. Practical issues such as winning new business, client handling and how to run a meeting are often learned by osmosis rather than in a structured manner.
Our experience also shows that many legal issues are not discussed or are simply skirted over in traditional education environments, including the thorny issue of when a contract exists even though there is no formal contract and the likes of quantum meruit.
Another problem that often needs addressing is the fact that law is very siloed. The overarching needs of both private and corporate clients are often ignored as the solicitor does not have the depth of experience to talk through the issues. A prime example of this is the universal need for a Power of Attorney which is equally important for owners of businesses and arguably should be put in place at the same time as a shareholder agreement.
The goal of the Parker Bullen Training Academy (PBTA) is to complement the 'on the job' experience with content that trainees may not usually come across, but which is nonetheless necessary to add value to their clients, colleagues and employer on a day to day basis or when a crisis occurs.
In part the training modules have been designed around the unknowns I wished I had been told when I was a junior lawyer. Good examples of this are the importance of marketing as an integral part of one's practice and the 'internal market', not just the external customers, for your services – making sure your colleagues know you.
Having to furlough trainees has presented its own opportunities and challenges. The challenge has been to continue to deliver SRA training while not breaching the conditions of the furlough, so participation has been optional. The benefits were plainly measured in time, both for the trainees and the instructors. An additional benefit was seen in giving everyone a sense of purpose and as a result the feedback has been exceptionally positive.
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When redesigning the PBTA we looked at other organisations which had similar business issues and customer dynamics to ours, to see if we could learn from their experience and knowledge base.
For Parker Bullen the way Goldman Sachs approach training fit perfectly, especially their small business course. What we found particularly useful is the way Goldman Sachs addresses the likes of developing employees for future leadership roles, and how colleagues and clients may behave in the workplace.
We have also designed the new training scheme to be flexible and to adapt and evolve alongside the needs of the business and our clients. A good example of the latter is in developing a module on franchising, as we have a strong presence in the military locally, and many ex forces personnel choose franchising as employment post their service.
In conclusion, out of the adversity of COVID-19 we are trying to build a better and stronger business. Integral to this is looking at the training programme and seeing how it can be improved to provide our future leaders with the skills to drive the business forward at a much earlier age.
As the end of the spring semester approaches, thoughts would usually be turning to forthcoming law exams. This year, to replace face-to-face exams, universities are using a range of different formats for their module assessments. This might involve open-book exams to be completed at home, more focus on coursework or even some form of online test. Whatever the format, end-of-year assessments are always stressful. Emma Jones, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sheffield, shares some top tips for handling the stress.
The last few weeks have been stressful times for both staff and students with lots of changes being made to assessment formats, timings and pretty much everything else! You are probably getting lots of emails about all these changes. It is important to read these carefully, save them somewhere you can easily refer back to them again and perhaps even print them out to highlight key points to remember.
If there’s anything you aren’t sure about, it’s important to get in touch with your seminar tutor, module convenor or personal tutor to ask about it. It may take them a little longer to respond than usual, but be patient, they are dealing with lots of changes too.
As soon as you are given dates and details of any assessments, keep a careful record of these. It’s a good idea to use a calendar or diary to write all the dates/times in one place. Once you have this information, you should write out a plan, allocating times to work on each individual assessment.
If you have any deadlines close together, make sure you are starting well in advance to give yourself plenty of time and avoid a last minute rush.
As soon as you are given dates and details of any assessments, keep a careful record of these.
Once you have your plan, it’s important to stick to it. It can be hard to keep to a routine when you’re studying at home, but there are things you can do to make it easier. These include:
Most Law Schools are now offering some form of online teaching and support, whether it’s online lectures and seminars, discussion boards and forums, online meetings with staff, or some mixture of these. They are designed to help you achieve your goals, so it is important to make the most of them. If you can’t join in a particular seminar or session, find out if it’s being recording and listen to that. Even if you don’t feel up to posting on a forum, you can still read what others have said. Having said that, do join in and contribute as much as you are able to do so – it will make the activities more engaging and interactive for everyone.
Most university libraries have great online collections, including databases such as Lexis Library, Westlaw and Lawtel for primary sources such as cases and legislation. They will also have subscriptions to a wide range of law (and other) journals and are likely to have online copies of lots of core textbooks too. If you are trying to locate information for your assignments, remember to make your university library your first port of call. It’s important not to rely on google or Wikipedia or similar if you want to produce your best academic work.
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When it’s time to tackle your assessments, don’t try to work 24/7 on them. If you are given a specific time period to write them in, then that period will have been calculated to give you more than enough time to finish your work and build in breaks and rest periods. Aim for working for a certain period of time (say, 45 minutes) then building in a break. This will give your mind time to refresh itself. If you are working at a laptop and computer it’s also important to do some physical movement and rest your eyes regularly.
Although end-of-year assessments are important, your wellbeing is more important. This is a difficult and challenging time for everyone and it is vital that you realise this and be kind to yourself, as well others. If you are struggling, do reach out to family and friends. Your university support services are also likely to be able to provide support and guidance.
So, organise your time and space, take advantage of the resources and support available, ask for help when you need it and, most importantly, look after yourself.
Do you remember the TV show Silk? It was TV drama series about barristers written by Peter Moffat based on his experiences of being at the bar. If you are thinking of pursuing a career at the bar it is worth watching – you can decide what is fact and what is fiction! Below, Francine Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Law and member of the Open Justice Centre at The Open University, explains what to expect from a career as a barrister.
If you think you are the next Amal Clooney or Michael Mansfield, then there are three elements to becoming a barrister.
The vocational element is changing from September 2020. You can find out more about the new Bar Qualification rules here. The professional statement sets out the knowledge, skills and competencies that barristers must have on ‘day one’ of practice.
So, you have defied the odds and obtained a pupillage – well done! You can now start the real training to become a barrister. Pupillage is completed in a set of chambers under the guidance of a pupil supervisor. The experience of pupillage very much depends on your pupil supervisor and the chambers you are in. During pupillage time will be spent preparing pleadings, going to conferences, and attending court. The second Six builds on those experiences and involves going to court regularly. The work will be varied, you are likely to be out a lot travelling to different courts. In terms of what you do each day much will depend on which practice group you work in. Once you have completed your pupillage, you apply for tenancy which is a permanent position as a barrister with a set of chambers.
The experience of pupillage very much depends on your pupil supervisor and the chambers you are in.
One thing is for certain you definitely won’t be working 9 to 5! A lot of time is spent in court, so you need evenings and the weekends to prepare cases. If you are travelling to court a long distance away it can involve quite early starts. What many barristers enjoy is the variety of work that is challenging and intellectually stimulating. Your clerk is responsible for managing your diary. A barrister builds their reputation from conducting cases therefore you want a full diary not only to gain experience but to develop your practice. Barristers are self-employed their earnings depend on the types of cases they conduct and how busy they are.
Most barristers are attached to a set of chambers, with each barrister contributing to the financial costs of running chambers. Many barristers enjoy the freedom of being self-employed, it provides more independence and autonomy than working for an employer. Some barristers may choose to be employed and work for organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service.
Although barristers work for themselves, they are part of chambers. The culture in many chambers is friendly and collegiate with more senior members of chambers providing advice and guidance on cases, but some barristers can find the job quite isolating and lonely. The bar council is very keen to address wellbeing at the bar and encourages barristers to support each other.
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If you are thinking of becoming a barrister, you should get involved in mooting competitions offered by your university. This will give you an opportunity to develop your presentation and advocacy skills. It will help you determine whether you enjoy public speaking and how well you can cope with the pressure and scrutiny from a judge. The Free Representation Unit also takes on volunteers and gives them opportunity to represent clients at the Social Security and Employment Tribunals. Barristers chambers offer mini-pupillages where you shadow a barrister and can gain first hand knowledge of what life at the bar is really like.
It is important to recognise that being a barrister can be quite stressful and you need to think carefully about whether this is the right career for you. Make sure you do your research, think carefully about whether a career at the bar is most suited to your personality, speak to other people to get an insight into what it is really like working as a barrister. To find out more read the Q & A with Angelina Nicolaou, a barrister at One Pump Court.
Before you begin to study for the LSAT, it is vital you select an LSAT review course that consists of the best study materials that best suit your learning style and background. Choosing the right-fit online prep course plays a crucial role in scoring high on the LSAT and getting into the law school you are eager to attend.
Although passing the LSAT is essential for admittance to law school, a successful LSAT score does not guarantee you entry. One of the best ways to make an admissions committee select you over another candidate is to write an excellent personal statement. The statement is your opportunity to show the admissions committee what makes you the ideal asset for the course of study. The way you present your background, experience, and training can make all the difference.
If you do not put in the number of hours required to learn the study material, you will not pass the LSAT. Likewise, if you do not have an organized structure to your learning, you are setting yourself up to fail. Ideally, you should start studying for the LSAT two or three months before the test. During those months, you should aim to study two to three hours per day, five days a week. You will need to block off the rest of your calendar and get your head down if you are serious about successfully passing the LSAT.
You will need to spend many hours dedicated to completing LSAT practice problems if you want to ace the exam. You need to do this for various reasons. Practicing LSAT practice problems enables you to become familiar with how test questions are structured. You will also become familiar with the levels of difficulty that are included in test questions, as not every question will be of the same level of difficulty. Also, you simply need to familiarize yourself with LSAT questions as much as possible before the test comes around so that you are prepared to tackle anything the exam throws at you.
To ace the LSAT, you will have to do well on the topic of Logical Reasoning. That is because Logical Reasoning makes up half of the LSAT score. So, although studying things like Logic Games and Reading Comprehension are important, studying Logical Reasoning has twice as much importance.
Once you have spent time studying materials and practicing LSAT questions, it is best to take full-length LSAT practice tests. You should aim to take at least four full-length practice tests before the day of the real exam comes around. You will then be so knowledgeable about the test’s structure, format, and timing that you are sure to crush the LSAT.
The day before the test date, prepare every aspect of the LSAT day. Ensure you have everything you need to take with you to the exam, know how you will get to the test center, and by what time. The more prepared you are for the day of the big test, the more you can focus on putting in your best performance to ace the LSAT.
Below Francine Ryan, senior lecturer in law and member of the Open Justice Centre at The Open University, discusses all considerations to make, important questions to ask yourself first, and the differences between the two professions. Hopefully this should help you make up your mind.
Do you want to be the next Amal Clooney, Helena Kennedy or Michael Mansfield or do you see yourself more of a Nick Freeman or a Christina Blacklaws. As a law student one of the decisions you have to make is which career path to choose- should you practise as a barrister or a solicitor?
Solicitors and barristers both offer legal advice, but a barrister generally provides specialist advice and represents clients in courts and tribunals whereas solicitors work directly with clients advising them on a range of legal issues relating to their area of specialism. Solicitors deal with the paperwork, write letters, prepare documents, contracts, obtain evidence and if required issue legal proceedings. Solicitors correspond with opposing parties, negotiate settlements and implement agreements reached. Barristers provide written opinions, conduct conferences and represent clients in courts. Barristers tend to become involved if court proceedings are required. Barristers will present the case in court and if appropriate negotiate settlements.
Solicitors correspond with opposing parties, negotiate settlements and implement agreements reached. Barristers provide written opinions, conduct conferences and represent clients in courts. Barristers tend to become involved if court proceedings are required.
Although, the professions are separate, recent changes have led to some crossover in the work barristers and solicitors undertake. Solicitors can apply for higher rights of audience which allows them to represent clients in the higher courts in England and Wales. Normally, a solicitor instructs a barrister on behalf of their client, but in certain circumstances, a client can instruct a barrister direct under the public access scheme.
Solicitors are employed by law firms, inhouse and in government organisations such as the Government Legal Services or local authorities. Working as a solicitor offers greater job security as you are employee with a salary, holiday pay and other benefits. Barristers are predominately self-employed and are attached to a set of chambers which they share with other barristers. Being self-employed can be more precarious particularly at the start of your career when you are building your reputation and client base. Some barristers are employed in the Government Legal Services and at the Crown Prosecution Service.
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To become a barrister, you need to pass the Bar Professional Training Course and complete a pupillage within a set of chambers. If you want to find out more about a career as a barrister listen to this podcast where the Secret Barrister shares his insights into working at the criminal bar.
The training to become a solicitor is changing currently you need to pass the Legal Practice Course and complete a two-year training contract. From 2021 the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) will be introduced; to become a solicitor, candidates will need to pass SQE 1 and 2, and two years qualifying work experience. To find out more information on SQE and how qualifying as a solicitor is changing, listen to this podcast.
Many of the skills required of a barrister or a solicitor are the same, but perhaps where there is the greatest difference is that barristers need to enjoy performing! Barristers need strong advocacy skills, be prepared to respond under pressure and happy to work independently. Solicitors need good research and analytical skills, be able to work effectively in a team and have strong client skills. Think about what type of person you are, do you feel comfortable performing to a crowd or do you prefer working as part of a team; if you are still not sure you take this short quiz which might help you to decide. Try to get some work experience in both a law firm and a set of chambers as that will provide you with a good insight into the differences between the professions.
And maybe you want a career in law, but you are not aspiring to be either a solicitor or a barrister. Richard Susskind, in Tomorrow Lawyer’s argues that technology is changing the practise of law and law students have the opportunity to pursue a whole range of new jobs from Legal Technologists, to Legal Data Scientists. It is a great time to be a law student there are lots of opportunities to pursue exciting new jobs and traditional ones too.
