What are solicitors
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who advises clients, prepares legal documents, manages legal cases and may represent clients in court. The term is used mainly in the United Kingdom and some other common-law countries. In the United States, the usual terms are lawyer or attorney.
Updated: ****. Solicitors help with at least nine common types of legal matter, including property transactions, family disputes, criminal cases and wills.
Solicitors at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does a solicitor do? | Gives legal advice, prepares documents, negotiates, manages cases and represents clients |
| Who do solicitors help? | Individuals, families, businesses and organisations |
| What areas do they cover? | Property, family law, criminal law, employment, wills, probate, immigration and commercial law |
| Do they go to court? | Yes. Some solicitors represent clients in court, while others instruct barristers for specialist advocacy |
| Are solicitors regulated? | Yes. In England and Wales, solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority |
| How are they paid? | Common arrangements include fixed fees, hourly rates, estimates and, in some cases, conditional-fee agreements |
What Do Solicitors Do?
Solicitors provide legal advice and manage matters for their clients. Their work can include:
- Explaining legal rights, duties and available options
- Researching legislation and previous cases
- Writing contracts, wills, court documents and legal letters
- Negotiating with another person, business or organisation
- Preparing cases for court or a tribunal
- Handling property purchases and sales
- Advising on divorce, child arrangements and other family matters
- Representing clients in some courts and tribunals
- Instructing a barrister when specialist courtroom advice or advocacy is needed
The work depends on the solicitor's area of practice. A property solicitor deals with conveyancing, while a criminal solicitor advises and represents people suspected or accused of offences.
What Areas of Law Do Solicitors Specialise In?
Solicitors commonly specialise in one or more of these areas:
- Conveyancing: buying or selling a home
- Family law: divorce, financial arrangements and child-related issues
- Criminal law: police investigations, arrests and criminal charges
- Employment law: dismissal, workplace disputes and employment contracts
- Personal injury: compensation claims after accidents or negligence
- Wills and probate: preparing wills and administering estates
- Immigration law: visas, nationality and asylum-related matters
- Commercial law: contracts, business sales, company matters and disputes
- Civil litigation: disputes involving money, property, contracts or negligence
What Is the Difference Between a Solicitor and a Barrister?
A solicitor usually deals directly with the client and manages the overall legal matter. A barrister generally provides specialist legal advice or courtroom advocacy, often after a solicitor instructs them.
| Solicitor | Barrister |
|---|---|
| Usually the first legal professional a client contacts | Often brought in for specialist advice or advocacy |
| Manages the case and communicates with the client | Focuses heavily on legal argument and courtroom representation |
| Drafts documents and negotiates settlements | Represents clients in many higher-court hearings |
| Can represent clients in some courts | Specialises in advocacy and complex legal arguments |
The distinction is not absolute. Some solicitors receive additional advocacy rights and can represent clients in higher courts. A solicitor may also handle an entire case without instructing a barrister.
When Might You Need a Solicitor?
You might need a solicitor when:
- You are buying or selling property.
- You are getting divorced or dealing with a family dispute.
- You have been arrested, charged or asked to attend court.
- You are involved in a serious civil or employment dispute.
- You need a will, power of attorney or probate assistance.
- You are starting a business or signing an important commercial contract.
- You need immigration advice.
- You want to make a compensation claim.
- You need help understanding a legal letter or court document.
You do not need a solicitor for every legal question. Depending on the issue, a mediator, legal adviser, Citizens Advice, law centre or another regulated professional may be suitable. The Solicitors Regulation Authority notes that some legal services can be provided by alternatives such as mediators, paralegals or will writers.
How Much Does a Solicitor Cost?
Solicitor fees depend on the type of legal work, its complexity, the solicitor's experience and the time the matter takes. A solicitor may charge:
- A fixed fee for a defined service
- An hourly rate
- An estimate of the likely total cost
- A conditional fee, sometimes described as "no win, no fee", where permitted
Before instructing a solicitor, ask:
- What exactly is included?
- What work will cost extra?
- Are court fees, searches or other expenses included?
- Is the quoted amount fixed or only an estimate?
- What happens if the case becomes more complicated?
In England and Wales, regulated firms must publish pricing information for certain services, including residential conveyancing, uncontested probate, some motoring offences, immigration work and employment tribunal claims. You should still agree the specific costs before the solicitor starts work.
How Do You Find the Right Solicitor?
Choose a solicitor who:
- Handles your specific type of legal problem
- Is authorised by the relevant legal regulator
- Explains the likely costs and timescale clearly
- Has experience with similar cases
- Offers legal aid or a suitable funding arrangement if you may qualify
- Communicates in a way you understand
In England and Wales, you can search for a solicitor through the Law Society or check regulatory information through the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal systems and professional organisations.