9084 · 1.3.2
Legal professionals — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9084 Legal professionals. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Are legal executives just less qualified solicitors?
This is a common misconception. Chartered Legal Executives are fully qualified lawyers who specialise in a particular area of law from an early stage. While their training route is different, they are recognised as professional lawyers with their own practice rights, and senior executives can become judges, holding equivalent status in their specialist field.
Can a member of the public go directly to a barrister without a solicitor?
Yes, in certain circumstances. This is known as 'direct access' or 'public access'. However, it is not available for all types of cases (e.g., most legally aided work), and the barrister's role remains focused on specialist advice and advocacy, not the general case management and correspondence that a solicitor would provide.
Does a barrister's 'cab-rank rule' mean they have to take every single case offered to them?
No, there are exceptions. A barrister can refuse a case if it is outside their area of expertise, if they have a conflict of interest, or if they are not available due to other professional commitments. The rule is designed to prevent barristers from refusing a case simply because the client or the cause is unpopular.