1. In most countries, there is only one legal profession.

2. But the English legal system is different from other countries.

3. In England, lawyers are divided into solicitors and barristers.

4. Barristers are sole practitioners and they always work alone.

5. They argue cases in front of a judge in all courts.

6. They also give legal opinions to solicitors and clients.

7. Now clients can instruct a barrister directly without a solicitor.

8. Solicitors represent their clients inside and outside of court.

9. Their main job is to brief barristers and collect documents.

10. They work in family, employment, and commercial law.

11. They draw up wills and help with unfair dismissal or divorce.

12. A solicitor can speak only in lower courts without a certificate.

13. Solicitors usually work in law firms and can become partners.

14. A new lawyer starts with a fixed salary to get experience.

15. A barrister spends most time in a courtroom preparing arguments.

16. A solicitor spends most time in an office drafting documents.

17. Experienced lawyers can apply to sit as a judge later.