What Is a Solicitor?

In the United Kingdom, the term “solicitor” refers to one type of legal professional, alongside barristers. While both are lawyers, their roles have traditionally been quite different. In recent years, though, the lines between them have blurred.

Solicitors typically handle legal work outside of court. This includes drafting documents, offering advice, and representing clients in negotiations or lower courts. Barristers, on the other hand, are usually instructed by solicitors to handle courtroom advocacy in higher courts. However, many solicitors now also appear in court, particularly for civil and lower criminal cases.

Training and Qualifications

To become a solicitor, years of study and training are required. This training includes:

• Completing a qualifying law degree or a law conversion course (for non-law graduates)
• Finishing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the newer Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
• Undertaking a training contract or period of qualifying work experience

The SQE is now the standard route to qualification in England and Wales, gradually replacing the older LPC route. The SQE pathway offers greater flexibility and is becoming the norm for new entrants into the profession.

Solicitors must also stay up to date with legal developments through ongoing professional training. Laws and regulations often change, and continuous education ensures they give accurate, current advice.

Because the legal systems in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland differ, solicitors must train in the jurisdiction they intend to practise in. However, a conversion process is available for those who want to switch between regions.

Although not required, many solicitors choose to specialise in specific areas of law. To practise, solicitors must be fully accredited and regulated by professional bodies such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales.

What Do Solicitors Do?

Solicitors advise individuals, businesses, and organisations. Their work includes:

• Offering legal guidance
• Drafting contracts and other legal documents
• Managing cases
• Negotiating settlements
• Preparing clients for court

They usually work closely with their clients and often handle the bulk of paperwork and evidence-gathering. While solicitors can represent clients in some courts, more complex or high-level cases may require a barrister. In these situations, the solicitor prepares the case and acts as the main point of contact for the client, working with the barrister to build the legal argument.

Solicitors also deal with other parties involved in a case (such as opposing lawyers, insurers, or government bodies) to secure the best outcome for their clients.

Increasingly, solicitors are using virtual consultations and online legal platforms to deliver services more flexibly, especially since the shift to remote work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Might You Need a Solicitor?

Solicitors can assist with a wide range of legal issues, including:

• Divorce or child custody
• Making a will or managing an estate
• Buying or selling property
• Personal injury claims
• Employment disputes
• Immigration matters
• Contract or business law issues

If you’re unsure which type of solicitor you need, a law firm’s front desk staff or legal advisor can point you in the right direction based on your situation.

Common Types of Solicitors

Given the wide scope of UK law, most solicitors focus on one or two areas. Here are some of the most common specialisms:

Personal Injury Solicitors

Personal Injury solicitors help clients who’ve been injured in accidents that weren’t their fault. Whether it’s a car crash, workplace accident, or a slip in a public place, they work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Personal injury solicitors also aim to promote better safety standards by holding negligent parties accountable.

Family Law Solicitors

Family solicitors deal with legal matters involving relationships and children. This includes:

• Divorce and separation
• Financial settlements
• Child custody and visitation
• Domestic abuse cases

These cases are often emotional and sensitive, so family law solicitors must be skilled negotiators with a strong understanding of conflict resolution.

Immigration Solicitors

Immigration solicitors assist clients with visa applications, residency, asylum claims, and appeals. They also help British citizens who want to emigrate. Given the complexity and frequent changes to immigration rules, their guidance is essential for navigating paperwork and ensuring compliance.

Employment Solicitors

These solicitors represent both employees and employers. Common issues include:

• Unfair dismissal
• Workplace discrimination
• Contract disputes
• Redundancy
• Health and safety concerns

They may also help businesses develop policies and procedures that meet legal requirements, or act as mediators in workplace disputes.

Wills and Probate Solicitors

Wills and probate solicitors handle legal matters related to death and inheritance. They:

• Help individuals draft valid wills
• Assist families in administering estates
• Advise on inheritance tax

In straightforward cases, the estate is distributed according to the will. But when disputes arise or no will exists, a solicitor guides the process according to the law.

Conveyancing Solicitors

Conveyancing solicitors specialise in property transactions. They manage the legal side of:

• Buying or selling a home
• Transferring ownership
• Mortgage agreements

Their role is to ensure the transaction is legally sound and to protect their clients from future legal complications.

Commercial Solicitors

Commercial solicitors deal with business-related legal matters. Their work includes:

• Drafting contracts
• Advising on mergers and acquisitions
• Resolving commercial disputes
• Ensuring regulatory compliance

Many commercial solicitors now incorporate AI-powered legal tools for tasks such as document review, compliance checks, and contract analysis to increase efficiency and reduce legal costs for clients.

They often work with a team to meet the needs of larger companies and help businesses operate within the law.