Solicitor
Solicitors handle legal matters and proceedings in many jurisdictions.
A solicitor is a lawyer who traditionally deals with most legal matters in some jurisdictions. They undertake general legal advice and conduct legal proceedings, and there are many more solicitors than barristers in England.
- field
- Law
- jurisdictions
- England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland), Hong Kong, South Africa (called attorneys), Republic of Ireland
- known_for
- General legal advice, conducting proceedings, split profession with barristers in some jurisdictions
- regulatory_body
- Law Society of England and Wales; Solicitors Regulation Authority
- qualification_routes
- Qualifying law degree or non-law degree with conversion course, Legal Practice Course, two-year training contract
Lore & Background
Solicitors traditionally dealt with any legal matter, including court proceedings, but were required to engage a barrister as advocate in the High Court or above after the profession split. Minor criminal cases are tried in magistrates' courts, and most civil cases are tried in county courts, almost always handled by solicitors. Solicitor advocates with extended rights may now act at all court levels. Regulation of solicitors in England and Wales is overseen by the Law Society of England and Wales, which represents the profession, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which acts independently. Complaints may be made to the Legal Ombudsman. Training requires a qualifying law degree or a non-law degree with a conversion course, followed by the Legal Practice Course and a two-year training contract.
Reader's Guide
Solicitors are a foundational part of the legal profession in many jurisdictions, particularly in England and Wales, where they outnumber barristers and handle the bulk of legal advice and proceedings. Their significance lies in their role as the primary point of contact for clients, managing everything from conveyancing to litigation. In fused jurisdictions like Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore, lawyers may hold the title 'barrister and solicitor' and practise both roles. The regulatory framework, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Legal Ombudsman, ensures professional standards. The legacy of solicitors is their adaptability: from the historical roles of attorneys and proctors to modern solicitor advocates, they remain central to the administration of justice.
Did You Know?
- The term 'attorney' is still used in English law for someone appointed under a power of attorney, which may not require legal qualifications.
- In South Africa, solicitors are called attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a Solicitor?
A solicitor is a type of lawyer who traditionally handles the broadest range of legal matters in jurisdictions like England and Wales. They are the more numerous branch of the legal profession compared to barristers, serving as the first point of contact for most clients seeking legal help.
What are a Solicitor's powers and role?
Solicitors provide general legal advice to clients and conduct legal proceedings on their behalf. In jurisdictions with a split profession, they handle the day-to-day legal work while barristers focus on courtroom advocacy, making the solicitor the primary legal representative for the majority of matters.
Where does a Solicitor practice?
The solicitor role exists in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, South Africa (where they are called attorneys), and several Australian states including New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. In South Africa, the equivalent function is fulfilled by attorneys rather than the term solicitor.
How does one become a Solicitor?
Aspiring solicitors typically complete a qualifying law degree or a non-law degree followed by a conversion course, then finish a Legal Practice Course. They must also complete a two-year training contract before being admitted to practice under bodies such as the Law Society of England and Wales or the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Why is a Solicitor important in the legal system?
Solicitors form the backbone of everyday legal access, handling everything from contracts and family matters to business disputes before any case reaches a courtroom. Their widespread availability—being far more numerous than barristers—ensures that most citizens can obtain practical legal guidance without needing specialist advocacy.
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