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Solicitor’s work can vary greatly, especially the level of specialisation in a solicitor’s firm. Some offer general legal advice, whereas others can specialise in distinct areas, such as corporate work or personal injury. The smaller the firm, and the broader the extent of their work, the less the degree of specialisation there will be.
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Barristers are confined to the world of litigation, although you can also act in an advisory capacity on matters, such as taxation. Generally speaking, barristers specialise in one or two area of law, although, a junior barrister would undertake a variety of cases until he/she can acquire and develop an expertise in a given area. “General Common Law” chambers deal with a broad range of practise and whether or not you specialise as a barrister depends on the case you acquire in your early days.
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So the whole notion of specialism doesn’t rest on whether you join the Bar or become a solicitor, but rather the type of chambers or firm you join.
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Contract Law
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Criminal Law
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Public Law
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European Union Law
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Equity and Trusts
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Land Law
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Tort Law
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The vast majority of solicitors keeps office hours, like any other business, and report to a senior individual, and work as team with a common goal. Barristers on the other-hand, are self-employed (as we all know) and huddle into groups, or chambers, with a clerk who handles referrals from solicitors. Barristers are paid, usually, per piece of work (from which there is a deduction for the chamber costs) and as a result, a barrister’s earnings are less secure, especially in the early days.
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Barristers, in particular those in the criminal realm, spend most of their time as advocates. Equally, civil practitioners can spend most of their time dealing with cases out of court. Solicitors have rights of audience in the lower courts and the actual advocacy solicitors do carry out varies greatly. It is worth noting that some solicitors can qualify for rights of audience in the higher courts.
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Solicitors develop the relationship with the client, whereas the barrister is briefed by the solicitor for specific tasks, such as, drafting a document. This would appeal to different personalities. So this may be suited to someone who dislikes routine paperwork. Personally, I don't want to carry out dealings with clients directly, so a barrister would be perfect for my personality. So, a barrister may have little prospect of developing a relationship with the client. Again, this depends on you, as a person, and what your ideal work environment is.
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The last time I spoke to a barrister, his one piece of advice was if you are going to pursue a career at the Bar, then go for it wholeheartedly or just don’t bother. The latest statistics reveal that one in every four who commence the BVC will find a lasting career at the Bar. Not only are there more BVC providers (and therefore more competition in the future at any given time) but also the increasing competition from solicitors results in a less rosy picture than for would-be solicitors at the end of their LPC. I would suggest at this point, having a look at www.barcouncil.org.uk and http://www.lawsociety.org.uk
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