There are quite a few different professions within the field of law, and each can help in a different way. Here is an overview of the main tasks and the difference between legal professionals:
Arbitrators and mediators
Arbitrators and mediators offer a non-judicial means and alternatives to resolve disagreements without the need to attend court. These professionals are neutral, meaning they do not take sides and not be able to provide advice. They are often experts in what the dispute is about and will reach a decision after hearing from both sides of the dispute.
Barrister
Barristers work and advocate in the courtroom. They put legal arguments in front of a judge and jury. They are involved in cross examining witnesses and influencing the result of a court case. Barristers usually do not have direct contact with the public. They appear in court when ordered by a solicitor and aside from qualified solicitor advocates, are the only ones able to represent clients in the higher courts.
Legal cashier
Legal cashier lawyers usually work in a practice. They keep financial records and keep the lawyers informed about the company’s financial position.
Solicitor
Solicitors work in various areas of law and offer different services. Solicitors offer confidential advice, usually providing a direct service with client meetings, providing legal advice and guidance in a variety of situations. For more information on Southend Solicitors, visit a site like https://www.drysdales-solicitors.co.uk/
Everyday problems that solicitors handle include:
To provide expert guidance on issues people regularly face such as buying and selling homes, preparing wills, and dealing with relationship breakdowns
To promote business, to help businesses with the legal side of commercial transactions
To protect the rights of individuals and advise people of their rights, to make sure they are treated fairly by public or private bodies and that they receive compensation when they have been treated unfairly.
Legal executive
A chartered legal executive works in a law office and has the option to later qualified as a solicitor through further vocational training. Fully chartered legal executives are qualified solicitors who can have their own clients and represent them in court, where appropriate. The main difference between a lawyer and legal executives is that a legal executive’s training is a little narrower. A legal executive has studied to the same degree as a lawyer, but they have specialised in specific areas of law and completed fewer subjects overall.
Legal secretary
Legal secretaries provide secretarial and administrative support to attorneys, lawyers and the courts of law. They organise correspondence and assist solicitors with the preparation of documents such as divorce, wills and witness statements.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist solicitors in their work. They do some of the same work but do not give advice to consumers of legal services.
Paralegal is a relatively modern phenomenon in UK law. The role has been transferred across from the United States where the paralegal has operated in a support role at law firms for many years.
Paralegal tasks will vary according to the type of firm and practice areas they work in. Some general tasks might include document preparation, research, attending meetings with clients and managing documents. Paralegals may prepare a report to help lawyers prepare their cases. Some paralegals help to write contracts and mortgages and help to prepare income tax returns and other financial documents.