Lawyers, Solicitors and Barristers:
What’s the Difference? by Dr Edgar Paltzer
Lawyers, Solicitors and Barristers:
What’s the Difference? 2
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nowing who to contact when you need legal representation can be confusing. The term ‘lawyer’ is really an umbrella term used to describe anyone licensed to practise law. Solicitors and barristers are both forms of lawyer who have different responsibilities. However, please note: the distinction between solicitors and barristers is a specific UK and Commonwealth feature and is therefore not applicable in many civil law jurisdictions.
What Is a Solicitor? Solicitors take instruction from clients and work directly with each client. A solicitor is responsible for providing legal advice, dealing with communication and paperwork, and preparing for court. In certain cases, such as disputes, solicitors may also represent their clients in court. However, in more complex cases, this role will often be passed on to a barrister.
What Is a Barrister? Barristers specialise in representing clients in court. While some barristers may also offer legal advice, they are most often involved in making arguments in court once advocacy is required. For this reason, most people would initially seek the services of a solicitor to assess their case, as some cases may not require a court hearing to be resolved. Everyone has the right to legal representation they trust and are happy with. 3
You can learn more about how and why to seek a second legal opinion by visiting the blog of Dr Edgar Paltzer.