A-Z Legal Terms

A

The regulatory body for solicitors in England and Wales. 

A lawyer who practises independently, not as part of a firm or company. 

A person authorised to act on behalf of another, typically in legal or business matters.

A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.

A process for resolving disputes outside of court, such as arbitration or mediation.

Property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value. 

Protection granted by a nation to someone who has fled their native country as a political refugee.

A long-term tenancy agreement offering some security of tenure. 

A mutual arrangement, typically in writing, between two or more parties. 

A legal status where a person is appointed to manage the benefits of someone who can’t do it themselves.

Legal service firms that include non-lawyers in management roles or as owners.

A form of dispute resolution where a neutral third party makes a decision, which is usually binding.

A junior member of a law firm or a professional association. 

A common form of tenancy in England and Wales that gives landlords the right to regain possession.

B

A legal status of a person or entity that cannot repay debts to creditors. 

A type of lawyer specialising in courtroom advocacy and litigation. 

C

Private offices or groups of offices where barristers practice. 

A person making a claim, especially in a lawsuit or for a Government-sponsored benefit.

Money awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury. 

An agreement between a client and a solicitor that is dependent on the success of the case.

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

A term used to refer to barristers or legal advisers.

A legal professional who works for the CPS and prosecutes criminal cases.

A legal professional who works for the CPS and prosecutes criminal cases.

Personal possessions or movable property. 

A person or organisation using the services of a lawyer or other professional. 

A legally binding agreement following a dispute in which both parties agree to settle and not to pursue any further legal action.

Terms or requirements specified in a contract or agreement. 

Legal professionals specialising in the management and assessment of legal costs. 

The principal public agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales.

Courts in England and Wales that deal with serious criminal cases.

Deserving blame.

D

Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a legal case for loss or injury.

The country that a person treats as their permanent home or lives in and has a substantial connection with.

Money paid out on behalf of a client in the course of legal services.

E

Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder to decide the case in favour of one side or the other. 

A European lawyer who is exempt from certain requirements normally applied to foreign lawyers in the UK.

F

Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. 

A person who commits fraud, especially in a business or financial context. 

G

H

The basis or foundation for a legal action or a defence in a legal case.

A proceeding before a court or other decision-making body or officer. 

I

Security or protection against a loss or other financial burden. 

A legal right or claim to something. 

The act of becoming involved in a legal proceeding to affect its outcome. 

An individual not involved in the aspects of a case or business, providing an unbiased perspective.

Temporary court proceedings used to deal with issues that cannot wait until the final hearing.

J

An official appointed to decide cases in a court of law. 

A body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them in court. 

L

Assistance to people otherwise unable to afford legal representation. 

M

A civil officer or lay judge who administers the law

The process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally. 

N

O

A person authorised to perform legal formalities, especially to draw up or certify contracts and deeds. 

An agreement reached between parties without the need for court intervention. 

P

Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise. 

In accordance with; following.

R

A legal entity or individual recognised by the SRA to provide legal services.

A legal entity or individual recognised by the SRA to provide legal services.

A person who is subject to regulatory oversight in their professional capacity.

The right of a lawyer to appear and present cases in court. 

S