1. Legal Education & the Legal Profession
Common Law Countries

2. American Legal Training
From apprenticeship to university training
Completion of undergraduate degree in any subject
Graduate from an accredited law school
Pass the bar exam in the state in which one will practice

3. English Legal Training
Solicitor
Barrister
Qualifying law degree or other degree and one year CPE course
2nd class honors degree
One year Legal Practice Course (LPC)
Alternative apprenticeship track
Two year training contract
Qualifying law degree or other degree and one year CPE course
2nd class honors degree
One year Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)
Join an Inn of Court & “Keep Terms”
One year pupilage
Secure tenancy

4. Comparing the Common Law Education Systems
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Degree
Theoretical vs. Practical Training
The Role of Apprenticeship
Cost and Access to the Profession

5. Organization of the Profession in the United States
Law firms (associates and partners)
Corporate or organization counsel (in house)
Government Lawyers (prosecutors, PD, agency)
Solo practitioners (tend to specialize, on the decline)
Current Issues: Professional stratification, rise of megafirms

6. Organization of the Profession in England
Solicitors
Barrister
Focus on litigation, but can advocate
Spread throughout UK
Practice in partnership
Direct contact with clients
Refer cases to barristers
Can become QC’s
Focus on advocacy, but can litigate
70% in London
Work in chambers as solo practitioners
No direct contact with clients, cab rank rule
Can become QCs

7. Issues in the English Legal Profession
Trend toward a more fused profession
Increased advocacy rights for solicitors, solicitors can become judges, QC’s, etc
What are the advantages/disadvantages of a bifurcated profession
Barristers and criminal representation
Emergence of the staff Crown Prosecution Service
The Role of Legal Aid

8. Comparing the Common Law Legal Professions
Fused vs. Bifurcated Profession
Cab Rank Rule
Firm Size
Legal Expenses