9084 · 1.3.2
Legal professionals
**Legal professionals** (1.3.2) — compare **solicitor vs barrister** roles and training. **Solicitors** (regulated by **SRA**) run client casework; **barristers** (regulated by **BSB**) provide specialist advocacy. Reforms driven by the **Legal Services Act 2007** — including the **SQE**, **solicitor advocates**, **direct access** for barristers, and **Alternative Business Structures** — challenge the traditional split. **CILEX** offers a third route. Evaluate **fusion**, **diversity**, and **access to justice** in exam answers.
Need to know
What you need to know
- Primary point of contact for legal clients, working in law firms or 'in-house'.
- Training is now via the SQE route plus two years' Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
- Work includes contentious (litigation) and non-contentious (transactional) matters.
- Hold automatic rights of audience in lower courts, with an option to qualify for higher rights.
Explanation
Legal professionals
- Primary point of contact for legal clients, working in law firms or 'in-house'.
- Training is now via the SQE route plus two years' Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
- Work includes contentious (litigation) and non-contentious (transactional) matters.