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If someone has a degree in law, but is not registered as a practicing solicitor or barrister can they legally hold themselves out as a lawyer?
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Re: Law Degree
They certainly can't "hold out" as a solicitor or a barrister unless registered (with a current practising certificate) and called to the Bar (also with current practising certificate, or, I believe, a pending application) respectively. It's a criminal offence to do so.Originally posted by CYNthesys View Post
"Lawyer" is an odd term in this country, though, and I would imagine could embrace anyone with a legal qualification or degree including the above. Hope you don't mind me chipping in
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Re: Law Degree
The title Paralegal is also becoming more recognised in the UK nowadays.Comment
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Re: Law Degree
It all depends on their qualifications, not all lawyers are solicitors: http://www.cilex.org.uk/careers/care...arristers.aspxOriginally posted by CYNthesys View PostComment
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Re: Law Degree
Im just a little concerned for a friend who has been introduced to a lawyer to help him by a 3rd party. Maybe its my suspicious mind, but it seems that a lot of what this lawyer has said to my friend is rather odd.Comment
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Re: Law Degree
Would you mind saying in what way odd Cynthesis? (I have a very suspicious mind, too lol)
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Re: Law Degree
PTnumbers and Cel should know the definitive answer Cyn....and would probably know the bullcrap from the sense your friend has been told
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Re: Law Degree
I would ask to see this "lawyer's" CV before accepting help. If your friend is paying for advice then checking out the "lawyer's" credentials is a must. Also check if they have PI insurance so if the advice given is wrong then your friend can claim professional negligence. Was this a personal recommendation or a referral by the Law Centre or CAB?Originally posted by CYNthesys View PostComment
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Re: Law Degree
A neighbour recommended one of their relatives who is a "lawyer"
Think I will PM CelComment
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Re: Law Degree
There is also the issue of what area of law that alleged lawyer is in, each area of law is quite specialised and even a fully qualified solicitor wouldn't be an expert in all areas, you wouldn't see an employment lawyer to help you with a money claim!Originally posted by CYNthesys View PostComment
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Re: Law Degree
At least it cannot be the celebrated "Dr" Akena Adoko. :rofl:Originally posted by CYNthesys View Post
See http://www.sunaina.g2gm.com/bookindex.htmComment
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Re: Law Degree
All legal professionals are required to be registered with a regulatory body which include -
Law Society
Bar Standards Board (BSB)
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)
Institute of Paralegals
Check with one of these bodies to see if this "lawyer" is registered. If they are not, report it.Life is a journey on which we all travel, sometimes together, but never alone.Comment
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Re: Law Degree
Thanks Bluebottle, have already checked law society and Bar, but didnt know Institute of paralegals and CILEX even existedComment
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Re: Law Degree
There is no general prohibition of the giving of legal advice in England & Wales, so to that extent many on this site could be described as "lawyers" in a nebulous fashion.
The Legal Services Act 2007 Section 3 & schedule 2 list the reserved activities.
You may not misdescribe yourself as a solicitor, barrister, judge etc, but there seems not to be any statute which says you can't call yourself a lawyer if you give out legal advice. Of course, if you don't have the appropriate PI insurance and get the advice wrong, you could find it ruinously expensive.Comment
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Re: Law Degree
A good recent example here was Eloise. She was definitely committing the offence of 'Holding Out As A Barrister.' She is also a good example of why it is deemed such a serious offence.
https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk...s-a-barrister/Comment
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