In the UK what is the difference? I know lawyers, practice law. But what, in layman's terms are the basic differences? When you would you need one but not the other? Do they deal with different aspects of law?
2006-10-02 23:48:10 · 24 answers · asked by mumof2 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
A solicitor is a lawyer in the UK, so is a barrister.
If you need a lawyer for any reason (police prosecution, divorce, conveyancing, private prosecution etc) you consult a solicitor. Depending on the case, the solicitor may be able to do all the work themselves. If not they will contact a barrister who will also represent you. The barrister is the one who wears a wig and gown in court and can either prosecute or defend.
2006-10-03 00:02:22 · answer #1 · answered by fidget 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dear,
in answer to this question, What is the difference between a 'lawyer' and a 'solicitor'? (UK)?, I can tell you that you might get some help from http://inquirelawyers.com
As you asked; "In the UK what is the difference? I know lawyers, practice law. But what, in layman's terms are the basic differences? When you would you need one but not the other? Do they deal with different aspects of law?" it may help you.
Good Luck :)
2014-11-01 13:30:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK there are many different types of Lawyer, anyone with a law degree can call themselves a lawyer, however only those that have complied with the training and qualification requirements can call themselves a Solicitor or a Barrister.
A Barrister usually, although not exclusively, has higher courts rights of audience, i.e. they argue cases in all the courts right up to the House of Lords and the European courts.
A Solicitor, usually, prepares legal paperwork and instructs a Barrister to present cases in the courts. There are some solicitor advocates who can also present the case in the courts.
An ILEX/FILEX, member of the Institute of Legal Executives, normally has some form of legal qualification but has not satisfied the requirements to become a Solicitor nor a Barrister.
A Paralegal, may or may not have formal legal qualifications, and usually work in solicitors offices providing the same service as a solicitor.
The above is only a brief summary and by no means an exclusive nor exhaustive list.
2006-10-03 01:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by Nick B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word "lawyer" is a generic description for a member of the legal profesion. In England and Wales lawyers are either solicitors or barristers. The differences are becoming a little blurred these days but generally speaking the lawyer you will see for any personal legal matter (a will, a divorce, conveyancing for your house, to make a claim against your employer, to set up a company etc) is a solicitor. A barrister comes into play if a case needs to go to the higher courts (traditionally only barristers were granted an audience in the higher courts and were instructed by the solicitors - not by the public).
In America and many other countries the legal profession is not split into two. Thus, the same lawyer performs all the legal tasks (in America he is described as an "attorney").
2006-10-03 00:20:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Difference Between Lawyer And Solicitor
2016-10-31 03:04:53 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lawyer is a generic term which include academic lawyer & professional lawyer, and the professional lawyers are two kinds in UK, i.e., Barrister who are entitled to practice law & present cases before higher courts including House of Lords but they are not entitled to meet clients directly and Solicitor who are entitled to practice law in lower courts & meet clients directly but without their instruction no Barrister can take a brief and present a case.
2006-10-03 01:53:16 · answer #6 · answered by Tom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fidget, T.C and globallyp have all answered your question correctly. 'Lawyer' is the general term for both solicitors and barristers. If a person has a legal problem they consult a solicitor. If specialist advice is needed or the matter has to go to court, the solicitor will usually hire a barrister (the one with the wig and gown).
2006-10-03 01:27:39 · answer #7 · answered by moonbeam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lawyers fall into two types: barristers and solicitors. A barrister is the one who appears in court. He gets his brief from a solicitor, so a solicitor is the one who typically sees the client and gives advice, and then if the matter is going to court he employs the barrister. They are both lawyers.
2006-10-03 00:04:24 · answer #8 · answered by TC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lawyer is essentially ANYONE who has been through a law school. An attorney however has been through law school and is LEGALLY permitted by passing the bar exam to use their knowledge in the court of law. So basically a lawyer and an attorney both have the same information but only the attorney can defend people.
2016-03-17 03:54:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A solicitor deals with lower court cases. (The upper level is a "barrister.")
In the US, "lawyers" is a generic term for anyone dealing with all levels of the law.
2006-10-02 23:56:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋