Solicitor

A solicitor is a type of lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions. Solicitors typically provide confidential legal advice, draft and negotiate documents, conduct negotiations, and manage cases for individuals and organizations. They usually have direct contact with clients and perform preparatory work for cases; in many systems they instruct barristers or advocates to perform advocacy in court.

In England and Wales, the traditional distinction is that solicitors handle client advice, case management, conveyancing, and drafting, while barristers specialize in courtroom advocacy. For higher court advocacy, solicitors may work with a barrister or, with suitable rights of audience, act as solicitor-advocates. Qualification paths have evolved: the current route in England and Wales centers on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), complemented by Qualifying Work Experience. The SQE has largely replaced the former LPC/training contract route. The profession is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), with the Law Society of England and Wales acting as the professional body.

In Scotland and Ireland the term is used as well, though regulation and training differ. In Scotland, solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, with a training path that includes sector-specific degrees and professional practice requirements; solicitors can undertake most routine legal work and may gain additional rights of audience. In the Republic of Ireland, solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of Ireland and perform a broad range of legal services, including advisory work, drafting, and litigation support, with separate professional bodies governing barristers in Ireland.

Common areas of practice for solicitors include conveyancing and real estate, wills and probate, corporate and commercial work, family law, dispute resolution, tax, and employment. Ethical duties cover client confidentiality, handling of client funds, and compliance with anti-money laundering and professional conduct rules.