Lawyer vs. Solicitor: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A lawyer is a general term for someone qualified to practice law, while a solicitor, in jurisdictions like the UK, specifically provides legal advice and handles legal paperwork.
Key Differences
A lawyer is a broad term that encompasses any individual who is qualified to give legal advice. In contrast, a solicitor is a type of lawyer in certain countries, particularly in the UK, who traditionally handles legal matters outside of court.
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Dec 13, 2023
Lawyers can engage in various types of legal work, including litigation, legal advice, and drafting legal documents. Solicitors specifically provide expert legal advice, prepare legal documents, and may represent clients in lower courts.
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Dec 13, 2023
In many countries, the term lawyer is interchangeable with terms like attorney or legal practitioner, covering all legal professionals. Solicitors, however, are distinct in that they often specialize in certain areas of law, like property or family law.
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Dec 13, 2023
Lawyers may represent clients in court, negotiate settlements, and draft legal strategies. Solicitors generally have direct contact with clients, offering legal advice, and preparing cases for barristers to present in higher courts.
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Dec 13, 2023
The training and qualifications for lawyers vary globally, generally involving law school and passing a bar exam. Solicitors in the UK undergo a specific training path, including the Legal Practice Course and a period of recognized training.
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Sentences
Used globally to refer to legal professionals
Predominantly used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries
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Pronunciation Complexity
Relatively straightforward
Requires emphasis on 'Soli'
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Lawyer and Solicitor Definitions
Lawyer
A lawyer is a professional who practices law.
The lawyer provided expert legal counsel in the trial.
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Solicitor
A solicitor is a legal professional who provides advice and handles paperwork.
The solicitor prepared all the necessary documents for the property purchase.
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Lawyer
Lawyers can represent clients in legal proceedings.
The lawyer argued the case before the judge.
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Solicitor
In the UK, solicitors may represent clients in lower courts.
The solicitor represented the client in a magistrate's court.
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Lawyer
Lawyers may specialize in various areas of law.
As a corporate lawyer, she advises on business-related legal issues.
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Solicitor
Solicitors complete a specific training pathway in the UK.
She became a solicitor after completing her training contract.
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Lawyer
A lawyer offers legal advice and prepares legal documents.
The lawyer drafted a comprehensive will for the client.
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Solicitor
Solicitors often specialize in specific areas of law.
The family law solicitor advised on the divorce proceedings.
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Lawyer
One whose profession is to give legal advice and assistance to clients and represent them in court or in other legal matters.
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Solicitor
Solicitors have direct interactions with clients.
The solicitor met with the client to discuss the legal strategy.
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Lawyer
A professional person with a graduate law degree that qualifies for legal work (such as Juris Doctor)
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Solicitor
One that solicits, especially one that seeks trade or contributions.
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Lawyer
A professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice.
A lawyer's time and advice are his stock in trade. - aphorism often credited to Abraham Lincoln, but without attestation
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Solicitor
An attorney holding a public office that handles cases involving a city, state, or other jurisdiction.
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Solicitor
Chiefly British An attorney who advises clients on legal matters, represents clients in certain lower courts, and prepares cases for barristers to present in the higher courts.
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Solicitor
In many common law jurisdictions, a type of lawyer whose traditional role is to offer legal services to clients apart from acting as their advocate in court. A solicitor instructs barristers to act as an advocate for their client in court, although rights of audience for solicitors vary according to jurisdiction.
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Solicitor
In English Canada and in parts of Australia, a type of lawyer who historically held the same role as above, but whose role has in modern times been merged with that of a barrister.
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Lawyer
(intransitive) To perform, or attempt to perform, the work of a lawyer.
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Solicitor
In parts of the U.S., the chief legal officer of a city, town or other jurisdiction.
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Solicitor
(North America) A person soliciting sales, especially door to door.
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Lawyer
To barrage (a person) with questions in order to get them to admit something.
You've been lawyered!
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Lawyer
One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.
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Solicitor
An attorney or advocate; one who represents another in court; - formerly, in English practice, the professional designation of a person admitted to practice in a court of chancery or equity. See the Note under Attorney.
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Lawyer
A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
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Solicitor
A British lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents
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Lawyer
A lawyer must pass a bar examination to practice.
After passing the bar, he became a licensed lawyer.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are solicitors and barristers the same?
No, solicitors and barristers have different roles in the legal system.
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Dec 13, 2023
Do lawyers draft legal documents?
Yes, lawyers often prepare and draft legal documents.
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What does a solicitor do?
A solicitor provides legal advice and handles legal paperwork.
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Can lawyers also work as legal advisors for businesses?
Yes, lawyers often serve as legal advisors to businesses, providing guidance on legal matters related to business operations.
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Can all lawyers practice in court?
Yes, most lawyers can represent clients in court.
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Can solicitors represent clients in high courts?
Typically, solicitors do not represent clients in higher courts; barristers do.
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What is the role of a prosecutor?
A prosecutor is a lawyer who represents the government and brings charges against individuals accused of committing crimes.
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Are lawyers bound by client confidentiality?
Yes, lawyers are generally bound by attorney-client privilege, which requires them to keep their clients' information confidential.
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Are solicitors required to have a practicing certificate?
Yes, solicitors in many jurisdictions are required to hold a practicing certificate to legally offer legal services.
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Can solicitors give legal advice on immigration matters?
Yes, solicitors can provide legal advice and assistance on immigration issues and help with visa applications.
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What is the role of a conveyancing solicitor?
Conveyancing solicitors specialize in property transactions, including buying, selling, and transferring real estate.
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Do solicitors handle family law cases?
Yes, solicitors often handle family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, among others.
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How do solicitors charge for their services?
Solicitors typically charge clients based on hourly rates, fixed fees for specific services, or contingency fees in some cases.
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What is the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)?
The SRA is a regulatory body in the UK responsible for overseeing solicitors and ensuring ethical and professional standards in the legal profession.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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