The primary distinction between a barrister and a solicitor is that a barrister is a lawyer who has been called to the bar and is qualified to argue cases in higher courts, while a solicitor is an attorney who advises clients on legal matters, drafts legal documents, represents clients in certain lower courts, and prepares cases for barristers to present in higher courts. Both barristers and solicitors require a basic law degree to undergo further training.
Key Takeaways
- Barristers are qualified to plead cases in higher courts, while solicitors advise clients and represent them in lower courts.
- Both barristers and solicitors require a basic law degree, but their training and practice differ significantly.
- Solicitors are usually employed by a firm or local authority, while barristers work independently and are called upon to prosecute or defend in civil litigation.
Who is a Barrister?
Barrister, also known as barrister-at-law, is a lawyer who has been called to the bar and is qualified to argue cases in higher courts. Although barristers and solicitors share a similar academic background, their training and practice differ. Barrister’s training lasts one year and is practical, referred to as the Bar Vocational Course. This course helps the aspiring barrister develop their advocacy skills to handle both civil and criminal litigation with ease. An aspiring barrister must spend twelve months practicing with a senior barrister before becoming fully eligible to practice independently. The main disadvantage of being a trainee barrister is the relatively low salary.
Who is a Solicitor?
The training course for a solicitor differs significantly from that of a barrister. A barrister is expected to join one of the four Inns of Court (Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, the Middle Temple, and the Inner Temple) and attend twelve dinners or weekend residential courses. In contrast, a solicitor completes a one-year vocational course called the Legal Practice Course, which provides a stipend. This course is practical, teaching a variety of skills and techniques in the art of advocacy. Aspiring solicitors also undergo training under a fully qualified solicitor before becoming practicing solicitors. Solicitors are typically employed by a firm or local authority.
What is the Difference Between Barrister and Solicitor?
The key difference between a barrister and a solicitor is that a barrister is a lawyer who has been called to the bar and is qualified to plead cases in higher courts, while a solicitor is an attorney who advises clients on legal matters, drafts legal documents, represents clients in certain lower courts, and prepares cases for barristers to present in higher courts. Furthermore, members of the public can approach a solicitor for advice, while a barrister can be called upon to prosecute in civil litigation and defend in another. The client and solicitor are bound by a contractual relationship, while a barrister should be content with paperwork.
Summary – Barrister vs Solicitor
The key difference between a barrister and a solicitor is that a barrister is a lawyer who has been called to the bar and is qualified to plead cases in higher courts, whereas a solicitor is an attorney who advises clients on legal matters, drafts legal documents, represents clients in certain lower courts, and prepares cases for barristers to present in higher courts.
