What are barristers vs solicitors? The basic difference is that barristers usually defend their clients in court; however a solicitor usually does different kinds of legal work outside of a courtroom. Of course, the difference is not really set in stone, so it is possible to find plenty of exceptions to this rule.
Barristers Vs Solicitors
Solicitors
When average people mention that they are going to visit a lawyer about some business, they are usually referring to a solicitor. Some solicitors work for themselves or in law offices, but others are employed by businesses or the government. Some solicitors work as generalists, but many specialize in certain areas of the law. Some examples of these specialties include real estate, finance, or tax law.
Many solicitors simply specialize in preparing different types of legal forms and documents for their clients. If they do represent clients in court, they have traditionally only worked in lower courts. However, this has begun to change, and it is possible to find solicitors who represent clients in higher courts these days.
Barristers
In court, barristers wear a traditional gown and wig to court. They are more commonly seen in high courts than solicitors. They focus on working as advocates during different kinds of hearings, which means that they are the men and women who usually stand up for clients in court.
Like solicitors, some barristers might focus on specific areas of the law. In addition, barristers may be called upon for legal advice. If your case involves criminal law, you should hire a specialist in this field, like top barrister Michael Wolkind.
Typically, barristers don’t have a lot of primary contact with the general public. A solicitor actually supplies the barrister with case details, so they may not speak much with clients at all. In other words, barristers and solicitors may work as a team to help represent clients.
Typically, self-employed barristers share the costs of their office, often called Chambers, with other legal professionals. For example, they might share rent and the cost of office staff. In some cases, larger firms or government departments might employ barristers for legal advice, just as they may employ solicitors.
Solicitors generally work with paperwork, and also, they offer more direct contact with legal clients. In contrast, barristers are more involved with the actual litigation in front of a judge or jury. This definition is not true 100 percent of the time. Also, the lines between barristers and solicitors have begun to blur a bit more over time.
