1. Introduction
This practice note gives advice on seeking a job in the legal profession.
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2. Applying for jobs
2.1 Self assessment
Before applying for a job, you should look at your knowledge, experience and skills, and ask yourself the following questions:
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses and how can these be improved?
- What skills and characteristics do you have, eg language skills?
- What kind of qualities can you as a person bring to a prospective employer?
- What makes you different from other candidates?
- What are your activities outside of your work that bring transferable skills?
- What positions of responsibility have you held?
- Where do you want to work in light of the wide range of opportunities available?
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2.2 Sources of information
The Law Society Gazette, the weekly publication available from the Law Society, has weekly advertisements of vacancies. You can access these in the magazine, or online where you can sign up for job alerts and apply online direct.
Some newspapers have a particular day for legal vacancies:
Tuesday - The Times
Wednesday - The Guardian
Thursday - The Independent
Do some research for other legal publications available online, and for publications used by potential employers in your area and by organisations involved with the area of law you wish to practise in.
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2.3 Recruitment agencies
Many recruitment agencies specialise in legal positions. You should keep in contact with agencies because the jobs available through them change regularly. Even if they cannot help now, they may be able to in future.
You should discuss your CV with a recruitment consultant. They may be prepared to draft a CV for you and circulate it to employing organisations and firms. Ask their advice, even if they do not have a vacancy that immediately suits you.
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2.4 Networking
Networking is a good way of finding out about vacancies and letting as many people as possible know that you are seeking work. You should make a list of all your contacts including former and existing colleagues, former bosses, business acquaintances, professional advisers, friends, relations and members of professional associations and groups.
Arrange meetings with as many of your contacts as possible to ask for advice about your career. During the meeting ask your contact to identify two other people you could approach to help you with your search. This helps build up a network of potential opportunities. The more people who know you are looking for work, the higher the chances will be that you will hear of something.
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2.5 Speculative applications
If you are uncertain about your prospects or you have not seen any vacancies that meet your needs, you may apply speculatively to certain firms or organisations. To do this, you should draw up a shortlist of firms or organisations in your area doing the kind of work in which you have an expertise or interest. You should also read the national and local press to find out if the firms or organisations you are approaching have any new development in your area. You may well be at an advantage if you can apply before they start to advertise any vacancies.
When applying speculatively, you should always explain why you have approached that firm or organisation.
If you are interested in a particular area of law, the local Citizen's Advice Bureau will be able to provide details of which firms in your locality deal with your field.
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2.6 Careers service
The careers services at universities are a valuable source of information and advice. You should contact the careers services to enquire about the assistance available to you. Local authorities also provide career services.
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3 Curriculum vitae
This is the first contact with the employer, so you should make the best possible impression and market yourself as effectively as possible in your CV and covering letter.
You should:
- include all the relevant information about you, because the person reading the CV will know nothing else about you
- avoid careless mistakes
- revise your CV carefully before sending it to employers, especially if you have not changed it for a long time
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3.1 Top tips on CV writing
3.1.1 Things you should do
- Keep it short: your CV should be 2-3 pages in length at most.
- Make it easy to read by choosing a clear typeface and font size.
- Print it on good quality paper. Use black ink on white paper, and use identical stationery on covering letters.
- Use positive language and a confident tone.
- Put enough personal details on the first page for any potential employer to contact you easily.
- Arrange education and experience clearly starting with the most recent first.
- Keep dates down one side of the page: left or right.
- Highlight key skills relevant to the job, ensuring bullet points and headings contain reasonable detail and do not read simply as a checklist.
- Leave out any irrelevant or negative information.
- List all your professional memberships and relevant qualifications.
- Put relevant information demonstrating suitability for the post nearer the beginning.
- Ensure your career history explains your role, status and achievements, giving examples of interesting and relevant matters that demonstrate your skills.
- Ask someone else to read your CV to give you their impressions.
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3.1.2 Things to avoid
- Binding your CV - it makes it difficult to copy or scan. If your CV is over a page long, use a paper clip.
- Lying - this can lead to instant dismissal if discovered. Past employers may give a different picture if contacted.
- Jokes - not everyone will share your sense of humour.
- Writing your whole life story.
- Leaving unexplained gaps in your career history. It may seem like you are trying to hide something. State whether travelling, taking a career break etc.
- Writing bland profile/objective sections. Statements such as 'highly motivated team player' can be better demonstrated through examples in the body of your CV.
- Listing interests unless they are current. Think carefully about the impression they will give the reader. Only include those interests that demonstrate positive skills that the company may be looking for.
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3.2 Typical CV outline
3.2.1 Contact details
You should put your contact details at the top of the first page. It's not necessary to give the document a heading ie 'Curriculum Vitae'. Instead, use your name as the heading. Use a larger type in bold.
To save space, include your address on the line below your name. In this section, you should also include contact telephone numbers and an e-mail address.
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3.2.2 Education and qualifications
You should lay these out with the most recent first, and include:
- all professional memberships and general academic achievements
- anything you are currently studying at the top of the list with anticipated result
- the name of the establishment and the dates you attended there
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3.2.3 Work experience
Show the most recent job first and include the following information.
- dates, placed vertically in either the left-hand or right-hand margin
- organisation and location, giving a brief description about the business that allows the reader to quickly compare the size and complexity of organisations.
- job title, with a description underneath of what you were employed to do that is no more than five lines long. Be selective and mention the role's principal tasks and responsibilities. Include those things you enjoy and are good at, leaving out things you enjoy less, unless they are crucial parts of the job you are targeting.
- achievements ? these set you apart from the competition. You should include what you did, the results of your actions, and whether you worked independently or as part of a team. Write achievements as short, punchy, bullet-point statements of fact.
If you are newly qualified, you should also include details of the practice areas that you were involved in during your training contract, including skills you acquired and your achievements. If the practice where you did your training contract is similar to the one that you are applying to, then point this out. You should list any work experience that demonstrates attributes, qualities and skills.
You do not need to provide salary details or reasons for leaving on your CV.
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3.2.4 IT skills
You should give an impression of your familiarity with computers, listing any software packages you can use that would be relevant to the job and your level of proficiency. Examples are Microsoft Word or Excel.
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3.2.5 Interests and activities
Employers are looking for evidence of team working and social skills outside work. You should list involvement in sporting teams and other organisations and highlight positions of responsibility you have held. Avoid giving irrelevant activities/interests that do not demonstrate any skills to the firm/organisation such as reading, or listening to music.
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3.2.6 Referees
You must get agreement from referees to act in this capacity before you submit your CV. You should not give the identities of your referees on the CV, and wait until an employer requests them.
You are responsible for referee management. When references are requested, you should contact referees to describe the role you are applying for, and the skills the employer is interested in, enabling a relevant, constructive conversation between referee and employer/recruiter.
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3.2.7 Covering letter
You should always accompany a CV with an individually prepared covering letter that includes:
- why you are applying for the position advertised
- particular skills you have
- reference to particularly salient items on your CV you want the employer to note
You may add items or explain gaps or any areas which they may question. For example, you could explain how you benefited from periods travelling or gaps looking after children.
If you are applying speculatively and do not know if a vacancy exists, you should explain why you have targeted that firm/organisation and what you have to offer.
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3.3 Top tips on covering letters
3.3.1 Research
Before putting pen to paper, you should:
- Read the firm/organisation's literature or information.
- Find out as much as you can about them. You will then be in a better position to compose a letter about why you are suited to them.
- Consider the firm/organisation's requirements and decide what they are looking for.
- Consider whether you have the skills, abilities and qualities required, and, if so, how these can be best conveyed.
- Check your CV covers all the necessary points. If it does, highlight the points for employers to note. If not, you should revise it.
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3.3.2 The letter
The letter must:
- encourage the employer to take your CV seriously
- set the reader's expectations of what will be in the CV
- persuade the employer that you are a suitable candidate for the job
- indicate evidence for the claims you make about yourself.
The letter should include:
- the purpose of the letter
- the reasons why you are applying to that firm/organisation
- highlight the best three things you can offer the firm/organisation
- a positive signing off
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3.3.3 Presentation
First impressions are important, so you should:
- make your letter an attractive document, well laid out on an A4 sheet
- ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or other errors
- address your letter to an individual, where possible, and consider telephoning to find out the correct name and title
- capture the reader's attention
- express what you need to say as concisely as you can
- convey a positive attitude and reasonable confidence
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3.3.4 Format
Like every good story, your letter should have a beginning, middle and an end.
Beginning - an introduction. Provide a brief introduction of:
- who you are
- which job you are applying for
- where you saw the advertisement
- why you decided to apply
State that your CV is enclosed.
Middle - cover in more depth why you are applying, why you are interested in the job and in this firm/organisation. You should show that you understand the requirements of the role and that you know about the firm/organisation. Then explain why you are right for the role and highlight your achievements and experiences that are particularly relevant to it.
Once you have identified what the employer is likely to be looking for, you should:
- refer them to your CV to indicate that you would meet their requirements
- demonstrate your strengths and why you are a suitable candidate
- indicate what sort of contribution you could make and be clear about what you have to offer
- tailor the letter to the specific job and firm/organisation to fit their interests or needs and show you have done your research
End - you should end the letter on a positive note, saying when you will be available for interview and that you look forward to hearing from them. Don't forget to sign your letter.
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4. Interviews
You should consult the numerous books and articles that advise on recruitment interviews.
4.1 Top tips for interviews
4.1.1 Preparation
Interviews can be a very stressful and traumatic process. The best way to allay interview fears is to prepare.
You should ask yourself the following questions before an interview:
- Why do you want a career in the law?
- What areas of law are you most interested in and why?
- Are your sights set on a commercial firm, a general firm or a high street firm?
- Why did you choose the firm/organisation to which you are applying?
- What can you offer that firm/organisation?
If you want to work in law because you enjoy a challenge and like getting a deal done, then you may say just that, but try to give examples of comparative achievements in your past. You should tell your interviewer briefly of the challenges you faced and your sense of satisfaction at having got the job done. This will reveal something unique in your personality to your interviewer.
Obviously, one of the reasons for wanting a job is to make money, but your interviewer already knows this and knows that every other candidate wants the same thing. So instead, concentrate on the things that make you stand out from the crowd.
You should find out as much as you can about the firm/organisation before arriving for an interview. Most have websites and are also happy to send brochures to interview candidates. You can also search the websites of the legal press for a more objective view. You should try to get a feeling of the ethos of the firm/organisation - what are their buzz words, do they put most value in ambitious, confident people, or instead prefer communicative team players.
If you know who will be interviewing you, then you may find out a little about them. If they have published articles then try and get hold of them. Remember firms/organisations have personalities which you should find out about and compare to its competitors - why did you choose to apply to firm/organisation A over firm/organisation B? You can then work out what you and your chosen firm/organisation have in common.
The purpose of your preparation is to ensure you are making the right choice, and can be confident at interview.
The final rule on preparation is knowing when to stop. No interviewer expects you to know everything about the firm/organisation. They simply want to know that your application is carefully considered.
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4.1.2 Typical questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why did you decide on a career in law?
- What do you consider your strengths/weaknesses?
- Why do you want to be a solicitor?
- What are your main achievements to date?
- Have you ever had a position of responsibility?
- How do you manage your time?
- How well do you work under pressure? Give examples.
- Where do you expect to be in five years' time?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What do you know about this company?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Are you flexible to move/travel?
- Are you applying for other jobs?
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a personality conflict with a colleague.
- Tell me about a time you handled a stressful situation well.
- Tell me about a time you built a rapport with a difficult person.
- Describe a time when you worked with a colleague to finish a project on time.
- Give an example of a time when you showed initiative.
- What's the biggest challenge you've ever had?
- Give me an example of a time when you were particularly creative in solving a problem.
- How would you go about generating business for the firm?
- What's your view on? (current affairs question)
- Have you any questions to ask me?
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4.1.3 Finding the right answers
An employer will choose criteria that you must fulfil and the interview is the chance to prove that you possess them. Such criteria will be different for each firm/organisation, but examples include:
- drive and initiative
- influencing skills
- personal qualities
- analytical skills
- flexibility
- technical skills
- organisational skills
You should back up your answers with one or two examples from your life. There follows some guidelines for answering some of those difficult questions.
How well do you work under pressure?
You should emphasise that you work as well under pressure as you do at any other time but that you prioritise tasks so that your workload is manageable. Point out your ability to leave work at the office and find time and ways to relax.
Are you applying to other companies?
You need to show that you have not just been applying indiscriminately, so only mention firms/organisations with similar attributes to the one you are at an interview for. You should also demonstrate a particular interest in and commitment to that firm/organisation.
Tell me about yourself
Be prepared for open-ended questions, the interviewer not only wants to hear your answer but how you answer. This is a test of your verbal communication skills. Do not waffle or tell them your life story. Concentrate on a brief summary, recent experiences and major relevant achievements. You can then ask if they would like you to expand on any area.
What salary are you looking for?
Part of your pre-interview research should be to find the firm/organisation's salary range. Say that you expect to be within that range. Think about the whole package including pensions and healthcare, not just salary.
What is your greatest weakness?
A good approach is to admit a real weakness that does not impact on the job, then describe how you overcome it by using strengths which are relevant to the job. For example, overcoming nervousness at public speaking by extensive preparation and organisation. Be prepared for the possibility that they may ask for several weaknesses, so have several answers prepared.
How would you go about generating business for the firm?
The key issue when answering this question is your ability to network and have a social life outside the firm. Another issue to consider is the quality of service you provide when you secure a client, to make sure they return in the future.
Why do you want to work for us?
This is something you should have thought about in your preparation. It could be the excellence of the firm/organisation, their size, their training, their specialisation, etc.
Try to find a fit between your strengths, values and interests and those of the firm/organisation. Try to emphasise what you can do for them, not just what they can do for you.
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4.1.4 At the interview
Remember that the profession you have chosen involves a good deal of client contact and the solicitor/client relationship requires the client to place their complete confidence in the solicitor. You must put an interviewer at ease and convince him/her of your professionalism to give them the confidence you can manage their clients.
Areas the interviewer will note at interview:
- your appearance - be business-like
- whether you are a serious, committed candidate
- whether your interest in law is genuine
- the sort of temperament/ personality you reveal
- whether you are articulate and able to think on your feet
- how you will get on with the rest of their staff
- whether you would fit in to their particular organisational structure and culture
- whether your responses correspond or conflict with those on your CV or application form
- whether you use your initiative
- whether you display intellectual, analytical and reasoning ability
- your attitude to working alone or under supervision
- how you seem able to cope with pressure and deadlines
- whether you are organised and able to manage your time
- how self-aware you are
- whether you have a sense of humour
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4.1.5 General tips
- Dress smart.
- Walk through the door smiling, make eye contact with your interviewer(s), and offer a firm handshake.
- Sit upright. Leaning slightly forward indicates interest and engagement. Also hold you hands together - this stops you fidgeting and also appears attentive and interested.
- If there is more than one interviewer present then try to address your answers equally to each of those present.
- Do not let your eyes wander around the room to avoid appearing uninterested and disrespectful.
- Be succinct and to the point whilst also ensuring you sell yourself.
- Do not attempt to fill silences while the interviewer is looking at your CV or a list of questions in front of them.
- Listen carefully to the questions you are asked in their entirety and answer them precisely. Remember that this is what your clients will expect of you as a solicitor. Remember to adapt your pre-prepared answers to the precise question asked.
- If you do not understand something you are asked or told, ask your interviewer(s) to explain.
- Feel free to ask a couple of questions yourself, and think about them in advance.
- Thank your interviewer(s) for seeing you, shake hands and smile. Remember to say goodbye.
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4.1.6 Your questions
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will commonly ask if you have any questions. This is a good opportunity for you to show off your interest in the job and the firm/organisation. Avoid asking questions that have been answered for you in the course of the interview. Do not ask anything you should already know from details they have sent you, or about salary, holidays, etc.
Good topics to ask about are:
- the organisation - strategic goals, challenges they are facing, why do the interviewer(s) enjoy working there, most significant recent developments in the firm/organisation, etc
- the working conditions - opportunities, career development, how is performance evaluated, etc
- the process - what happens next, how many people are being interviewed, do they fill open positions from within the firm/organisation first, etc
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4.1.7 After the interview
Think about what you have learned and your impressions of the employer. The interview is your opportunity to decide if you want to work for them.
Reflect on the interview. Make a note of the questions they asked. Were you satisfied with your answers, or could you do better next time?
If they do not contact you when they said they would or if it has been a long time since the interview (more than two weeks), try ringing to check the situation.
If you are rejected, try ringing to ask if they could tell you the main reasons.
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5. Applications
5.1 Top tips for applications
Some organisations argue that there is not enough detail on a CV to select you for interview and are opting to use application forms or the online application process.
An application is your chance to demonstrate your written communication skills ? be clear and concise. Employers are looking to see early evidence of this skill.
As with all applications preparation is the key to making any good application. Find out as much as you can about the company and its recruitment criteria. Information can be found on their website or any promotional literature.
Many application forms are designed to test your powers of summarising briefly. At first glance, the spaces provided for your answers do not appear big enough. Application forms are designed for this purpose. Gauge your answer by the size of the space provided.
Use each section's specified word count as a guide to how much detail they want from you.
Read through the form carefully and follow instructions. Do not attach extra information to your application, such as your CV. Applications are carefully designed to extract the right amount of information to make a decision to select or reject you. Any additional information will usually be ignored. Consider adding it only if the form invites you to do so or if the form is inadequate and gives you no space at all to sell yourself.
Do a draft of your answers first, preferably on a photocopy of the form, so that you can be sure they are going to fit in the boxes.
Make your application a pleasure to read. Any form that is easy to read and the product of intelligent thought will have an immediate advantage. You are wasting your time if it does not look visually decent. Under no circumstances should you resort to tiny writing to cram more in.
Knowing the ethos of a company puts you in a much better position to explain why you are right for them. This is most relevant for the skills or achievement-based questions.
Have a clear idea of what the selection criteria are and what matching skills, knowledge and experience you have. When answering questions that ask about how you have demonstrated teamwork or found original ways to solve a problem, choose examples from different parts of your life and be as specific as possible when describing them. Concentrate on your personal contribution to whatever it is you are writing about and stress achievements and outcomes.
Ensure that your answers are tailored to the particular section of the application you are completing and that questions are addressed directly and succinctly.
Do not leave gaps in your life. It is always a better idea to explain what happened, ie travelling or a gap year.
Choose your referees with care - reliable people who have agreed to help. Your offer of employment will be subject to receiving references.
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6. Setting up in practice
You may be considering setting up your own practice rather than seeking employment in an already existing firm/organisation or changing your career pattern.
The Law Society offers a free toolkit for sole practices, small firms and solicitors thinking of setting up in business. It helps practitioners understand how to set up in business, successfully manage their practices and prepare for retirement.
Download the toolkit (PDF 3.8mb)
You must give very careful consideration to taking this important step because there is much legislation and many rules and regulations affecting the setting up of a new practice. Contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority for more information after reading the Society's toolkit.
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7. Alternative careers for solicitors
Being a solicitor is not the only career in law. The opportunities to transfer the skills picked up in the study of law and practising as a solicitor into other employment areas are endless. A law degree, professional qualification and experience gained working as a solicitor are valuable commodities that are sought after by a wide variety of employers. The skills a legal education develops are vast and these skills and abilities are valued in the general career market. They include:
- the ability to research
- the ability to collect and analyse large amounts of information
- the ability to weigh-up points and counter points
- the ability to create a logical argument and reasoned conclusion from a set of facts
- the ability to communicate clearly with the public and the profession alike
- discretion
- the ability to handle and work under pressure
- a first-class memory
Below is a selection of roles for which little or no further training is required. This list is not exhaustive.
- Consultant to firms
- Court reporter
- Law centre worker
- Law costs draftsmen
- Law firm manager
- Law firm researcher
- Law firm trainer
- Legal executive
- Legal journalist
- Legal secretary
- Licensed conveyancer
- Locum solicitor
- Magistrates' clerk
- Paralegal
- Solicitor within a charity
- Solicitor within a company
- Solicitor within local government
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8 More information
8.1 Useful contacts
8.1.1 Law Society Pastoral Care Helpline
Referral service for solicitors who need help with personal, financial, professional or employment problems.
Telephone 020 7320 5795.
Lines are open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
8.1.2 Solicitors Assistance Scheme
Provides free initial legal advice, including advice on employment issues, to solicitors, their families and their staff.
Vist the Solicitors Assistance Scheme website
Telephone: 020 7117 8811
8.1.3 Solicitors Benevolent Association
Charity providing financial assistance in times of hardship for solicitors and their dependants
Visit the Solicitors Benevolent Association website
Telephone 020 8675 6440
8.1.4 Association of Women Solicitors
Offering support to female trainees and qualified solicitors. The group has a well established mentoring scheme.
Visit the Association of Women Solicitors website
Telephone: 020 7320 5793
8.1.5 The Law Society's Junior Lawyers Division
Support, advice and networking opportunities for students, trainees and newly qualified solicitors up to five years PQE
Visit the Law Society's Junior Lawyers web pages
Confidential helpline - 09:00 to 21:00
Freephone: 08000 856 131
E-mail: juniorlawyershelpline@lawsociety.org.uk
8.1.6 LawCare
Confidential free advisory and support service for lawyers, their staff and their immediate families to deal with health problems such as depression and addiction, and related emotional difficulties.
Visit the Law Care website
Telephone 0800 279 6888 09:00 to 19:30 weekdays, 10:00 to 16:00 weekends
8.1.7 Law Gazette Jobs
Law Gazette Jobs has a careers zone for finding employment and provides access to the latest legal jobs. You are able to sign up for job alerts and will be e-mailed when new vacancies arrive that match your criteria.
Law Gazette Jobs website
8.1.8 Law Society Publications
For more employment related titles visit the Law Society bookshop.
8.1.9 Practice Advice Service
The Law Society provides support to solicitors on a wide range of areas of legal practice. The service is staffed by solicitors and can be contacted on 0870 606 2522 from 09.00 to 17.00 on weekdays.
Vist the Practice Advice Service website.
8.1.10 Solicitors Regulation Authority Contact Centre
Assists solicitors with enquiries relating to practising certificates, continuing professional development (CPD) and other general enquiries.
Vist the SRA website
Telephone 0870 606 2555
8.1.11 Status of this practice note
Practice notes are issued by the Law Society for the use and benefit of its members. They represent the Law Society's view of good practice in a particular area. They are not intended to be the only standard of good practice that solicitors can follow. You are not required to follow them, but doing so will make it easier to account to oversight bodies for your actions.
Practice notes are not legal advice, nor do they necessarily provide a defence to complaints of misconduct or of inadequate professional service. While care has been taken to ensure that they are accurate, up to date and useful, the Law Society will not accept any legal liability in relation to them.
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