Lawyers

[Didwot]

Come clean now. Are any of you really lawyers or are the answers all inspired guesswork?

[JanineG]

Judging from the degree of knowledge commonly displayed in the answers in this category, I'd guess that there are a few of us who are really lawyers - others are just very knowledgeable!!

[Barmaid]

all inspired guesswork. Lawyers would want paying!!!

[Cennet]

I am not a lawyer but have a working knowledge of employment law

[JanineG]

Thanks barmaid! Your humour is really original.

[Barmaid]

Not humour, irony. I am a lawyer!!

[Buenchico]

While anyone could pretend to be a solicitor, there are several people on AB who've convinced me that they've got a background in law. These include:

1. Dannydingbat: He's a solicitor working in the licensing section of a local authority.

2. Erimus1: I've not seen him/her on here lately but I've no doubt about the validity of his/her claim to be a solicitor.

3. Ward~Minter: Yes, I know he can annoy some people occasionally but his legal answers are always 'spot on' and I'm happy to trust his assertion that he has a background in law.

4. JudgeJ: I've no idea whether this contributor is actually a judge but his/her knowledge of law (including case law) is consistent with a legal background.

I've never claimed to be a lawyer but I object to the suggestion that this means that any answer I give in this section is only 'inspired guesswork'. I've spent many thousands of hours (informally) studying English law (including case law). While my knowledge might be insuffficient to directly answer some of the questions I see on here, it's often sufficient to help me research the question and then quote the relevant legislation. My answers often include links to 'official' (i.e. government) websites or to other authoritative sources (such as the BBC website). I hope that the information obtained from these links amounts to rather more than just 'inspired guesswork'.

Chris

[Barmaid]

For what its worth Buenchico, I always thought you were quite a senior lawyer given some of your answers.

[MustafaTickl]

I am neither a lawyer nor knowledgeable about any matter [edited by ABED]

[Eve]

I'm a qualified and practising lawyer, commercial property work is my thing.

[Didwot]

Thanks for the answers so far. It seems Barmaid is abarrister (Works at the Bar)' Jenna1978 is a solicitor, and we must assume JudgeJ is the President of the QBD - come on Igor, own up! JanineG is being equivocal - must be a lwyer then, and everyone else is being coy, except for Buenchico! Any more?

[Barmaid]

Sorry to disappoint Didwot but I could not possibly aspire to such dizzy heights. The name reflects the fact that I spend too much time and money in the local wine bar!!

[Miss Zippy]

Depends what your definition of 'lawyer' is. I have two law degrees (LL.B (Hons) and LL.M), have lectured in law at two South coast unis, have worked in practice as a fee earner for 3 years and for the past four years have been a legal and regulatory director and company secretary for a financial services company. My day to day work involves dealing largely with commercial and company law matters and I'm considered by the lawyers that I work with (in-house and external lawyers) to be 'one of them' but I have found that on occasions my legal background is something I play down as people can be quite untrusting of you!

[dannydingbat]

Buenchico has assessed the situation quite accurately. The joy of this board is that you can repay society in some small way to make up for the fact that you may be a little ruthless in your approach in your day job. I was always told that a lawyer will maintain their point of view until another lawyer grinds them down or a judge tells them to shut up. I practise my legal knowledge in local government and, at the risk of being immodest, have been considered by some to take a leading position nationally in knowledge of the new Licensing Act. I train others, including other practitioners and barristers in its intricacies. We can also remain anonymous in that the info we give cannot lead to action against us if it is not correct. After all, most legal detail is the opinion of one specialist over that of another. I have always posted what I believe to be a correct view of the law despite the fact that there is no come back. I do try, however, to give a link to an appropriate piece of legislation so that the recipient can see the facts for themselves.

I have to bow to Buenchico's knowledge of legal matters - he always seems to have a clear grasp on law and its effects.

[HJT40]

I have answered a couple, was a lawyer doing PI and Debt recovery, now a Special Constable hoping to go in to the regulars, so civil and criminal!

[Didwot]

Hey I thought I was asking the questions. I do like Jerrett Allen's picture, quite a good resemblance, but taller and not so yellow.

[seatrout]

I'm prepared to come out the closet on this one!

I am a lawyer and I prosecute criminal cases

[Didwot]

Hi Seatrout, I have a friend who works for the CPS. Seems to have to work about 15 hours a day. A day in court and a days preparation and paperwork on top!

[seatrout]

Its a hard life in the CPS Didwot but a damn site site better than legally aided defence work!