All solicitors have a degree in law or have taken an extra course to convert their non-law degree to a law one (known as the conversion course or Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)). They will have passed the legal practice course and have spent two years as a trainee solicitor working in various seats to obtain key experience in contested (e.g. civil disputes) and non-contested work (e.g. wills and conveyancing).
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and you can complain and or seek redress for any wrongdoing by the Legal Ombudsman and/or the courts. All solicitors are insured.
What do Solicitors do?
The Law Society describes their role as follows:
‘Solicitors represent and defend clients’ legal interests, and provide advice in many situations, for example, giving expert advice on everyday issues, such as dealing with relationship breakdowns.
A Solicitor’s duties include:
- researching cases and legislation;
- drafting letters, contracts, wills and other legal documents;
- liaising with clients and other professionals such as barristers;
- representing clients in court.
