Тема 7. The system of legal education in the uk

The system of legal education in the United Kingdom has its peculiarities. First, the modes of legal education are slightly different in England /Wales and Scotland or Northern Ireland. But the major distinction in the ways to obtain appropriate qualification is the existence of two professions – solicitors and barristers. Solicitor is a lawyer who advises clients on matters of law, draws up legal documents, prepares cases for barristers, etc, and who may represent clients in certain courts Barrister is a one of two types of practicing lawyers in Britain (the other is the solicitor). Barristers engage in advocacy (trial work), and only they may argue cases before a high court. A barrister must be a member of one of the four Inns of Court. Inns of Court the four legal societies in England founded about the beginning of the 14th century and having the exclusive right to confer the title of barrister on law students.

Тема 8. Becoming solicitor in the uk

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is the vocational stage of training to be a solicitor. It is a one-year, full-time (or two-year, part-time) course designed to provide a bridge between academic study and training in a law firm. The LPC is practical in nature and the focus is firmly on mastering relevant skills. The emphasis is on workshops, continuous assessment, independent research and group discussions. It also allows you a certain amount of specialization through a range of optional subjects. The majority of courses are delivered in two stages. Stage one is the compulsory study of core areas of law and practice, while stage two is comprised of three vocational electives. For many of the students, LLM study is a stepping stone to developing academic and professional expertise in a particular field of law. For others, it is an opportunity to gain postgraduate knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects.

Тема 9. Becoming a barrister in the uk

The Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), formerly the Bar Vocational Course (BVC), is the vocational stage of training that must be completed if you wish to become a barrister. It is a one-year, practical course, designed to provide training that is specific to the work of a junior barrister (a two-year, part-time course is also available at some law schools). Students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities (including mock trials, debating and extra mini-pupilages) that will help them to develop the necessary skills. The BPTC helps to prepare you for the 12-month pupilage and beyond. The standard LLB (Bachelor of Law) is a three-year law programme. It includes compulsory modules in the first and second year: property, trusts, contract, criminal law, tort, constitutional and administrative law and EU law.

Pupilage is the final stage of training to be a barrister. During this time, you put into practice everything you have learnt so far. Although you will be a fully qualified barrister (and called to the Bar) on passing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), pupilage is essential for all those who wish to practise. Pupilage usually takes a year to complete training