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.