Lawyer? Shouldn't that be Solicitor?

[nickytwotimes]

So says dh anytime he hears lawyer being used outwith USA copntext.

Is he right?

[FluffyMummy123]

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[legalalien]

interesting. seems that in this country you can be sent to jail for pretending to be a barrister but only fined for pretending to be a solicitor.

incidentally, the law society rules only count those entitled to practise, here or elsewhere, as "lawyers".

[Turniphead1]

Lawyer definately just a solicitor or a barrister, in my opinion. I would often have described myself as a lawyer when I was practising (as a solicitor). And indeed one of the main legal profession's magazines is called "The Lawyer". It relates mostly to solicitors I think.

[jamescagney]

my sis insists she is a lawyer. She is a qualified solicitor
i thought it was an English thing as she is Irish and works in London

[Bink]

Re what your sis calls herself - I think that's the normal way - I feel a bit poncey if I specifically say I'm a solicitor, as if I'm standing on some sort of specialism dignity (which I don't have). I just mutter about being a lawyer. (Then get onto something more interesting to talk about.)

I think barristers prob. say they're barristers though ... hmm wonder what that says.

[LadyThompson]

I think barristers DO say they are barristers. Never heard one call themselves a lawyer yet...

[Turniphead1]

Barristers would worry people might think they were solicitors, LadyT, lol

Now didn't know we had counsel on our birth board! Like someone else on this post, I would have loved to have been a barrister but got lured by the ease of a training contract for a big city Law Firm...silly me!

[FluffyMummy123]

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[No19]

My DP is a barrister and I don't think I've ever heard himself refer to himself as a lawyer. It would be "correct" for him to do so, though.

In a work context I think he would call himself or a colleague counsel, but if someone asked him outside work "what do you do?" he would say barrister.

I have never heard legal secs, execs etc called lawyers and I don't think it would be "correct".

Male barristers are sexy and intelligent and fab!!

[LadyThompson]

No no no, Turniphead, it's not ME! It's my DP! All barristers really love themselves...but it's a v skilled job (even prouder emoticon)

[LadyThompson]

Hear hear No19

[No19]

[Turniphead1]

But no.19 and LadyT can you EVER win an argument?

My DH cites unfair disadvantage in the arguing stakes and says he would cry if he every got one of my "stern letters" lol...

[No19]

Therein lies the rub, turniphead. I have been known to yell at DP YOU ARE NOT BLOODY CROSS EXAMINING ME or DO YOU THINK I AM IN THE FARKING WITNESS BOX etc etc. It goes down an absolute treat .

[LadyThompson]

Ooh, I give as good as I get. DP will often bellow "It's like being in *ing court!"

[Turniphead1]

"Ojection, Counsel is harassing the witness!!!" . Fantastic. My best friend is married to a barrister and finds the same. She said he once started a sentence with "I put it to you.." and she had to give him a belt!

[No19]

And before anyone asks, no I have never asked him "to wear his wig and gown"... ifkwim.

[LadyThompson]

I love to call him "M' Learned Counsel" when he is being a nit, as well.

[No19]

LOL turnip my DP has said to me NUMEROUS times "is it not the case that..?"

[FluffyMummy123]

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[No19]

Wigs in bed you mean cod?

[LadyThompson]

Not for me

[FluffyMummy123]

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[LadyThompson]

Bah humbug icod

It's Friday afternoon

[No19]

He doesn't do it to annoy me or play a part he does it because after all these years it comes naturally to him to argue like that. So I should imagine won't ever wear off till he's a very elder lemon. Sadly.