Steps to Becoming a Solicitor

Becoming a solicitor in the UK isn't easy. It's a hard, but rewarding career path. You really need to commit yourself 100% to becoming a solicitor. Not only with the effort you put in studying the law, but financially too. Let's look at the process to become a solicitor.

You should start early with trying to become a solicitor. As early as you can. After High School why don't you try and get a week work experience working at a local law firm? This will put you ahead of 90% of people already and you will learn loads, even if it's just for one week. This will show employers you have had an interest in law from an early age.

Next comes college and your A levels. Obviously you should choose law as one of your subjects of study. But also you should choose other subjects which are either close to law, or will give you good legal skills. The subjects that can give you good relevant skills are Philosophy, English, history and Politics. Some good subjects for knowledge that could be useful in your legal career are business Studies, accounting and Economics. You should aim to get good grades so you can get into a good university and therefore increase your chances of getting a training contract.

During your time studying law at university you should get involved with law societies and pro bono activities to further increase your CV. A great thing to have on your CV is mooting, even if you're not going to be a barrister. So join the mooting club! At the end of your second year, over the summer, you should aim to get a vacation scheme at a big firm. This will give you a real taste of being a solicitor. Then you should start to apply for the Legal Practice Course (LPC) - the last stage of your training.

Hopefully you will have achieved a 2:1 at university. Now you need to learn the practical legal elements. You should start apply for a training contract, hopefully you will obtain one before the end of your course and can go straight into a law firm after you have finished your LPC. If you haven't obtained one then keep applying! It's a numbers game.

Once you have worked for 2 years at a law firm, congratulations! You're now a solicitor. You can continue to work in your current firm, find work elsewhere, or even start your own firm!

For more information on becoming a solicitor see more on how to study the law or read our advice on Training Contracts at studyinglaw.co.uk/training-contract

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Defending Those Facing The Prospect of Becoming Disqualified Company Directors

A company which looses a director to disqualification can find itself in a difficult situation.

If the case is proven he or she will no longer be able to act as a company director, have any influence over the affairs of the business. Also the former director will not be able to be appoint a 'shadow' to run the company for them. And while they can still remain in business as a sole trader or in a partnership they can longer enjoy the tax breaks and concessions associated with running a limited liability.

It should also not be forgotten that in addition to these handicaps for disqualified company directors there is also the very real prospect of loss of reputation. Those who have been banned from being a director appear on the Disqualified Directors Register. They are forbidden also to become a charity trustee, or work as an insolvency practitioner.

There are fines and imprisonment for those classed as disqualified as company directors who continue their previous role. And those involved in the companies which allow them to contravene any bans will also face action.

Those facing becoming disqualified directors have every right to put up their own defence to prevent the ban being put in force. However, they are best advised to consult with solicitors who specialise in advising on and defending such cases.

Following discussions between the solicitor and client it will be determined whether there is a defence against the Directors Disqualification Order. Any defence is made in court, documented as a 'Summary of Truth' is made under oath. Others may also be asked to speak for the defence and the lawyer will helpful in co-ordinating this.

Sometimes people facing the prospect of being declared disqualified company directors may not have a defence. However, the solicitor may well be able discover there is a case for persuading the court there are mitigating circumstances. While proof of mitigating circumstances will not prevent directors from becoming barred, it may well reduce the period of time that has to be spent as a disqualified director. This is especially important, as, depending on circumstances, bans can last in excess of 10 years.

Those facing the unenviable prospect of becoming disqualified directors should seek legal assistance from specialist solicitors as quickly as possible. If your local solicitors haven't got sufficient expertise in this area of law, there are a number of legal practices who do specialise in providing legal representation for disqualified directors and who can deal with your case via e-mail and phone and sometimes Skype.

If you need a Solicitor to help you deal with a Disqualified Directors  Order then contact Bonallack & Bishop. They are a firm of lawyers who often act for disqualified company directors. Senior Partner Tim Bishop sees himself as a businessman who owns a law firm.

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