Here we break down the different types of legal professionals in the UK, what they do, why you might choose them and which bodies they are governed or regulated by.
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Will writers
Will writers are specialists in drafting wills and trusts. They can help you create a will that meets your specific needs and ensures that your wishes are carried out after your death. Will writers are not formally regulated, but they should be members of a professional body such as the Society of Will Writers or the Institute of Professional Willwriters.
Probate specialists
Probate specialists help people deal with the legal and administrative process of administering an estate after someone dies. This can include gathering assets, paying debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Probate specialists are not formally regulated, but they should be members of a professional body such as the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Barristers
Barristers are specialist advocates who represent clients in court. They are instructed by solicitors and can represent clients in the higher courts, such as the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
Solicitors
Solicitors are general legal practitioners who can advise clients on a wide range of legal matters, including business law, property law, family law and criminal law. They can also represent clients in court, typically in the lower courts such as the Magistrates’ Court and the County Court. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Conveyancers
Conveyancers are specialists in property law. They can help clients buy, sell or transfer property. Conveyancers can be either solicitors or licensed conveyancers. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Similarities and differences
All of the legal professionals listed above have a good understanding of the law and can provide advice and assistance to clients. However, there are some key differences between them.
For example, barristers and solicitors have different roles in the court system. Barristers are specialists in advocacy and represent clients in court. Solicitors are general legal practitioners who can advise clients on a wide range of legal matters and may represent clients in the lower courts.
Another key difference is that barristers are often self-employed, while solicitors can be self-employed or work within law firms.
Regulatory bodies
All of the legal professionals listed above are governed or regulated by a professional body. This helps ensure that they meet certain standards of competence and professionalism.
The following organisations govern or regulate each type of legal professional:
- Will writers: Society of Will Writers, Institute of Professional Willwriters
- Probate specialists: Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
- Barristers: Bar Standards Board
- Solicitors: Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Conveyancers: Council for Licensed Conveyancers (if a licensed conveyancer), Solicitors Regulation Authority (if a solicitor)
Member groups
In addition to the regulatory bodies listed above, there are also member groups that legal professionals can join. These groups provide support and networking opportunities for members, and they also work to promote the interests of the profession.
Some of the most common member groups for legal professionals in the UK include:
- The Law Society
- The Bar Council
- The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)
- The Institute of Conveyancers
There are many different types of legal professional in the UK, each with their own specific role and area of expertise. This gives you more choice. For example, because a solicitor can work in various fields, you could hire one for your conveyancing or for writing a will. But you could also choose a licensed conveyancer or a will writer.
It is up to you whether you would prefer to use a specialist or a more general legal expert in case you need them for other matters in the future.
What you can be sure of is that no matter what type of legal expert you choose, if you have found them through The Law Superstore, they will be high quality, experienced and members of the appropriate regulatory or governing bodies.
