Glossary
Equivalent means Introduced in 2014 by the SRA, this allows anyone to apply to qualify as a solicitor provided that (i) their skills and legal work experience are equivalent to that which a qualifying solicitor would have attained following a training contract, and (ii) they have completed the LPC. Escrow Money or documents, such as a deed or title, held by a third party until the conditions of an agreement are met.
Human Rights Act 1998 Statute that requires public authorities to act in a way that is compatible with the rights guaranteed by the ECHR. It requires the courts to read and give effect to primary legislation in a way that is compatible with the convention rights. Hung jury A jury that is unable to reach a verdict. In camera Latin for ‘in chambers’. Refers to a hearing or inspection of documents that takes place in private, often in a judge’s chambers. In-house Refers to a lawyer who works within a company (not a law firm) as a salaried employee. Inns of Court Collective name for the four legal societies in London that have the exclusive right of admission to the Bar. Interlocutory order Temporary order issued during the course of litigation. Typically cannot be appealed because it is not final.
Estate All the property that a person owns.
Evidence The various testimony and documents presented in court to prove an alleged fact. Ex parte Latin term meaning ‘by or for one party’. Refers to situations in which only one party appears before a judge. Executor Person named in a will to oversee and manage an estate. Expert witness A witness with a specialised knowledge of a subject who is allowed to discuss an event in court even though he or she was not present. Fee earner A lawyer at a firm for whose time the firm charges. First six The first six months of pupillage. During this stage the pupil will train under a barrister, but will not have rights of audience. Force majeure When parties to a commercial agreement are excused from performance of the contract due to events that are beyond their control. Franchise A business relationship in which an owner (the franchisor) licenses others (the franchisees) to operate outlets. FTSE The Financial Times Stock Exchange. The FTSE 100 is an index of the top 100 companies in the country, based on share value and turnover.
Intestate To die without a will.
IPO Initial public offering is the first sale of stock by a listed company to the public. Jackson reforms Civil costs reforms recommended in a report by Lord Justice Jackson that came into force on 1 April 2013. See also ‘LASPO’. JLD Part of the Law Society, the Junior Lawyers Division is a group for students, trainees and newly qualified solicitors. Judgment A court’s official decision on the matter before it.
Jurisdiction A court’s authority to hear a dispute.
LASPO The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 introduced wide-ranging changes to the legal aid system and reformed the use of conditional fee agreements. Highly controversial.
GDL Graduate Diploma in Law, a conversion course for non-law students. See also ‘CPE’.
Law clinic A free legal advice centre, usually staffed by volunteer lawyers and students.
GLS The Government Legal Service provides legal services across the spectrum of the government’s activities. Employs solicitors and barristers.
Law Commission An independent body set up in 1965 to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform where needed.
Good faith To act honestly and without deception.
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