The Legal Profession: One Career, Many AvenuesWhether we read about the heroic small-town lawyer, Atticus Finch, in To Kill a Mocking Bird, or whether we watched in awe as Richard Gere's portrayal of smooth lawyer in Primal Fear, it is clear through culture and media that there is a power and prestige associated with the law in American society. This article compares the training and education of these American lawyers with that of their English counterparts, and concludes why it is incumbent upon us in the United States to adopt England's learning requirements. To begin with, it is important to note that in the English system the legal profession is sharply divided; lawyers are either barristers or solicitors. While barristers are governed by the various Inns of Court, the barristers' branch is governed by the Law Society (Chambers Student). Despite this distinction, members of either branch can now seek the rank of Queen's Counsel (QC). Lawyers mainly appear in court and are likely to sit in the most important courts. They serve as attorneys before a court of competent jurisdiction and speak in court, presenting the case before a judge or jury (Chambers Student). Solicitors primarily work with clients and deal with legal documents, including conducting court proceedings (although solicitors had to engage a solicitor as solicitor in a High Court or above after the profession split into two ) (Student at Chambers). As an additional branch of the legal profession, there are also Legal Executives, represented by the Institute of Legal Executives. Now that we recognize the distinction between them, let's consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the divided profession. The most notable distinction is that of having...... middle of paper ...... their own. Rather than focusing entirely on classroom lessons, emphasizing learning based on real-world experience could greatly improve the current education system in the United States. Works Cited Blackstone, William and George Sharswood. Commentaries on the laws of England: In four books. Flight. 2. JB Lippincott & Company, 1875. Student of Chambers. “What kind of lawyer do you want to be?” » 2014. http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/Articles/197 Law Observer. “The Law in England and Wales.” 2014. http://www.lawobserver.co.uk/legal_system_20.htmlMegarry, Robert Edgar. “Lawyer and litigator in England.” Stevens, 1962. Bar of England and Wales. 2014. http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/The State Bar of California. 2014. http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Pamphlets/BecomingALawyer.aspx#6 Warren, Charles. “A History of the American Bar.” Cambridge University Press, 2013.