A word of warning

So, what is an associate member of a practise then? Thank you

Hello i know this is late but to answer an associate solicitor is a senior solicitor with the practice.

Dukey

Thank you Dukey. I even googled it and couldn't find the answer.

Hello

I`m not surprised its more of an American title though it is used here now a bit like lawyer.

Dukey

Another late reply:

Further to what Dukey says, I have long advocated a code of practice for McKenzies, particularly after the Steve Stephenson case (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4743750.ece).

The hierarchy in law firms (excluding LLP firms which mixes it up a litte)

(1) Equity partner - owner/part owner of a firm

(2) Salaried partner - solicitor with partnership status but is not a part owner

(3) Associate Solicitor - usually a solicitor who is well regarded by the firm and who is tipped for partnership

(4) Assistant Solicitor - a fully-qualified solicitor who has his/her own caseload

(5) Trainee Solicitor - a solicitor-in-training who is carrying out the two years training contract after which s/he will hopefully qualify and be offered a job.

FILEX are equal or above Assistant Solicitors.

ILEX are equal to or below Assistant Solicitors.

Paralegals are unqualified lawyers who vary in experience and status.

Charles

Thanks for the warning Dukey, as I nearly went with one of these companies on 1st January after STBX convinced me not to spend any money and to sort it out between ourselves.
Luckily for my because I am an expat the customer service operator told me they were only paralegals and couldn't help me. Lucky escape. But I did notice how much advertising these types of companies use, ie national newspapers and are well up on the internet search engine listings.
So I have opted for a managed service (STBX soon to find out and will be furious) but I know that I have a solicitor on my side, not just trying to make a quick buck at my expense.
So everyone out there wondering what to do...make Wikivorce your first point of call and keep asking questions, I still am!!
Supercali xx