What is the difference between a Solicitor and a Barrister

The legal profession is one of the oldest professions still in existence, and is one that has changed relatively little since Victorian times. Many people will be familiar with the terms 'solicitor' and 'barrister', while being unaware of the actual differences between the two, with a common incorrect assumption being that a barrister is a senior solicitor.

The two roles have entirely different entry routes, and very few people change between them. Essentially, a solicitor is the person who has contact with the client who has a legal problem. Only a solicitor is allowed to directly 'solicit' legal work from an individual, making them the first point of call. Their work is largely office-based, although they may represent you in court in certain types of case, e.g. at a Magistrates Court, and they are generally responsible for dealing all of the paperwork with the court and the other party.

A barrister is required when a case is taken to one of the higher level courts, as only they are allowed 'rights of audience' (i.e. allowed to speak to the court) in these cases. At a court case, a barrister will put forward the legal arguments and cross examine any witnesses. A barrister's role is centred more around the academic and technical legal aspects of the work. They will usually be highly specialised within one particular type of legal issue, and they are sometimes used for expert advice when solicitors are researching written legal advice for clients, but a solicitor will handle this on your behalf.