Most people know the difference between a barrister and a solicitor, but what many don’t realize is that the two jobs are quite different. A barrister provides legal advice and representation in court, while a solicitor can do both of those things, as well as acting as an advocate for their clients. So which one should you choose for your legal needs? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two legal professions.
What is Barrister?
- A barrister is a type of lawyer who represents clients in court. Barristers typically specialize in one area of law, such as criminal defense or family law. In many jurisdictions, barristers must go through a process of professional training and be certified by the government in order to practice law.
The role of a barrister is to provide legal advice to their clients and to represent them in court. Barristers must be able to research and understand complex legal documents, as well as argue their client’s case in front of a judge and jury. - Although barristers are often associated with expensive hourly rates, they can provide invaluable assistance to those who need legal help but cannot afford to hire a private attorney. In many cases, barristers will work on a pro bono basis, meaning that they will provide their services for free or at reduced rates.
If you need legal assistance, consider contacting a barrister in your jurisdiction to see if they can help you with your case.
What is Solicitor?
Solicitor is a term used to describe an individual who is licensed to provide legal services to clients. These legal services typically include assistance with matters such as drafting and reviewing legal contracts, representing clients in courtroom proceedings and compiling evidence for court cases. In order to become a solicitor, one must complete a rigorous training program that includes extensive coursework in areas such as civil law, business law, criminal law, and contract law. Additionally, practitioners must pass a series of written exams in order to be certified as a solicitor. Overall, the role of the solicitor is to help navigate the complex legal system in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients. Whether you need guidance navigating a business dispute or advice on drafting your will, there is no substitute for the expertise and insight of a qualified Solicitor.
Difference between Barrister and Solicitor
- There are two main types of lawyers in England and Wales: barristers and solicitors. Both have different roles and responsibilities, and the main difference between them is that barristers specialise in advocacy and court work, while solicitors specialise in providing legal advice and handling paperwork.
- Barristers are usually instructed by solicitors to represent their clients in court. They often wear wigs and gowns, and they are required to address the judge as ‘Your Honour’. Barristers must also be members of one of the four Inns of Court, which are professional organisations that provide support and training for barristers.
- Solicitors, on the other hand, provide legal advice to their clients and handle all the paperwork involved in a case. They may also represent their clients in lower courts, such as magistrates’ courts. Solicitors are not required to be members of an Inn of Court.
- In general, barristers are more expensive than solicitors because they have more specialist skills. However, it is possible to instruct a barrister directly without going through a solicitor, which can save you money.
Conclusion
In short, barristers are specialist advocates who can represent clients in court while solicitors provide legal advice and representation to clients. If you need legal assistance and want to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case, it’s important to understand the distinction between these two types of lawyers.
