A solicitor represents and defends individuals or businesses involved in legal proceedings in court. They must negotiate in order to reach a solution that is in their client’s best interests. A legal adviser, drawing on their area of expertise and with a view to protecting their interests, supports businesses in their decision-making regarding legal and regulatory matters.

Qualities and skills

• Negotiation skills
• Written and oral communication skills
• Ethical standards and integrity
• Ability to manage stress and work under pressure
• Excellent understanding of laws and regulations and a good knowledge of statutory codes
• Ability to analyse complex situations and develop legal strategies

Education and training

A four-year post-A-level degree leading to an M1 (minimum) in law, followed by one year preparing for the entrance exam to the EDA (Law School). Training at the EDA lasts 18 months, at the end of which candidates must pass a qualifying examination to obtain the Capa (Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession). The prospective lawyer must then take the oath and apply for registration with a bar association.

Six years of higher education (Bac + 6) – Certificate of Aptitude for the Legal Profession

Sectors and organisations

Lawyers are self-employed professionals. They practise either independently or as partners. They may also work as self-employed associates for a lawyer or a law firm (a predominant way of practising). Very few lawyers in the profession are employed by others.

Operating in a highly competitive sector, it is in a lawyer’s best interests to specialise: business law, tax law, employment law, EU law (relating to Europe), law relating to new technologies (the Internet, ICT: information and communication technologies, etc.) or environmental law…

Source: LH PORT CENTER – Further information at www.lhportcenter.com