Solicitors

Description

Solicitors advise and act on behalf of individuals, organisations, businesses and government departments in legal matters.

Tasks

draws up contracts, leases, wills and other legal documents undertakes legal business on behalf of client in areas of business law, criminal law, probate, conveyancing and litigation, and acts as trustee or executor if required instructs counsel in higher and lower courts and pleads cases in lower courts as appropriate scrutinises statements, reports and legal documents relevant to the case being undertaken and prepares papers for court represents clients in court.

Educational Requirements

Entry to training usually requires a qualifying law degree or postgraduate diploma. Graduates in subjects other than law must first take a one-year conversion course. All entrants undertake a one year legal practice course, followed by a two-year training contract.