Solicitor Vs Barrister: What’s The Difference?

Today’s topic: Solicitor vs barrister?

While these two terms in the legal profession are used interchangeably, it is important for you to understand exactly how they are different from each other if you want to be in this field of work.

For instance, students studying to become lawyers often think that there are two main jobs in the legal field. They can choose to be barristers or solicitors. Even though both types of legal work seem very important, there are similarities and differences between them.

In this article, I will explain the following things:

• Who is a solicitor?
• Who is a barrister?
• What is the difference between a solicitor vs barrister?

Therefore, if these are some of the things that you want to know, keep on reading this blog till the end…

Solicitor Vs Barrister: How Are They Different From Each Other?

In England and Wales’ legal system, solicitors and barristers still have separate roles and duties. However, the main difference lies in how barristers represent individuals in court

For instance, barristers often utilize public speaking and advocacy. On the other hand, solicitors handle legal matters outside court.

However, there are exceptions to this division. Nowadays, more solicitors try to get qualifications in order to become solicitor advocates. Thus, these professionals are fully qualified as solicitors.

So, you can hire them to look into an embezzlement claim or for business litigation. Moreover, they possess the same rights as barristers to represent clients in court.

Who Is A Solicitor?

A solicitor is a certified legal professional. According to Britannica, they have the “right to act in all courts as the agents for litigation or representatives of their clients, and they are deemed officers of the court, but they may appear as advocates only in the lower courts.”

Additionally, they hold the authorization to get instructions from clients to guide a case. Moreover, they offer guidance on legal actions to take. Their responsibilities include tasks like the following.

• Giving legal counsel.
• Creating contracts.
• Carrying out the settlements of negotiations.

What Is The Job Role Of A Solicitor?

“Solicitors confer with clients, give advice, draft documents, conduct negotiations, prepare cases for trial, and retain barristers for advice on special matters or for advocacy before the higher courts,” according to Britannica.

When a court case arises, a solicitor is the one who prepares all legal paperwork. They specialize in advising clients on various types of legal issues. A solicitor works to safeguard the legal interests of their clients. This is a major addition to the solicitor vs barrister scenario.

Moreover, they offer legal guidance on various matters. Let us check out the responsibilities of a solicitor:

• Advocating for individuals’ rights.
• Ensuring fair treatment by public or private organizations.
• Assisting businesses in fair and transparent personal transactions.
• Supporting individuals in civil litigation
• Providing constant and personalized legal advice to those going through divorce proceedings.
• Handling matters of immigration and asylum as an asylum attorney miami.

We can classify their job broadly into two categories:

• Contentious cases.
• Non-contentious cases.

A solicitor typically works at a law firm or as a part of an in-house legal team. Moreover, solicitors also work in close interaction (directly) with clients. The kind of client that a solicitor picks may vary.

Therefore, you can be an individual, a group, a public sector entity, or even a private business. In all of these cases, you can hire a solicitor for their legal needs.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Solicitor?

In order to become a solicitor, there are a few things that one needs to keep in mind. And one of the most important things among these is education.

Generally, to become a solicitor, it would normally take you somewhere around six years through the path of Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Apart from that, another typical path to becoming a solicitor is usually through either a law degree or a combination of a degree in another appropriate subject and a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), both awarded by examination.

After that come these two things:

• Post-graduate Legal Practice Course, two years of recognized training.
• Professional Skills Course.

Furthermore, future solicitors must undergo a character and suitability assessment by providing a statement that they have not partaken in any potentially disqualifying behavior, such as crimes, immoral professional conduct, or financial mismanagement. 

Who Is A Barrister?

A barrister typically specializes in advocacy within the limits of courtroom advocacy. Therefore, you will mostly see them handling litigation.

Moreover, their role involves drafting legal statements and providing expert legal advice. The practice of barristers falls under the governance of specific rules and guidelines. Therefore, these outlined rules are present in the Bar Standards Board Handbook.

These rules also set up limitations on a barrister’s conduct. Additionally, they also include the fundamental responsibilities and a set of dos and don’ts. 

What Is The Job Role Of A Barrister?

You will also see a barrister delving deep and doing their research into the theory of law. This mostly happens when the case demands it. This is a concise list of their activities.

• They present cases in court.
• Sometimes, they argue about legal aspects.
• Examine and cross-examine witnesses.

“Only barristers may appear as advocates before the High Court. They are known collectively as the bar, and it is from their ranks that the most important judicial appointments are made,” according to Britannica.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Barrister?

For someone to become a barrister, it would take a minimum of five years in England and Wales. The entire path is  

What Is The Difference Between A Solicitor Vs Barrister?

Now that you are aware of what a solicitor and a barrister are, it is time for you to understand how and in what ways they are different from each other.

Take a look at this chart:

Feature	Solicitor	Barrister
Primary Role	Manages a client’s legal affairs and handles most of the day-to-day legal work, which often occurs outside the courtroom.	Specializes in courtroom advocacy, providing expert legal opinions, and representing clients during trials and appeals.
Typical Tasks	Prepares and drafts legal documents, such as contracts, letters, and wills.	Researches and interprets legal principles, prepares legal arguments, and cross-examines witnesses in court.
Client Contact	Works directly with clients, building and maintaining relationships throughout the course of a case.	Typically instructed by a solicitor, rather than the client directly. They have less direct interaction with the public.
Work Environment	Employed by a law firm or work as an “in-house” lawyer for a company or organization.	Self-employed and share office space and administrative support with other barristers in “chambers”.
Court Appearances	Can appear in lower courts, such as Magistrates’ courts.	Generally have automatic “rights of audience” in higher courts.
Dress Code	Wears business attire in court.	Wears a traditional gown and wig.

Solicitor Vs Barrister: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the solicitor vs barrister debate can be tough. In England and Wales, they take different paths after finishing law studies.

Solicitors go through exams like the SQE and training contracts. Moreover, they often work directly with clients in law firms. They may also work through apprenticeships.

However, barristers complete the BPTC and gain practical experience by working in chambers. Next, they function through the Bar by the Inns of Court. They may take on cases through solicitors and focus on court presentations.

However, solicitors often work set hours. Having varied responsibilities, they earn between £34,700 to over £140,000. Whereas barristers are mostly self-employed. They may earn between £40,300 to over £200,000.

Thus, barristers are used to having more flexibility. Hence, both professions require different skills and offer diverse work environments!

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