One of the most difficult decisions that law students need to make is deciding whether to become a solicitor or a barrister. Deciding to go down either of these career paths can be a daunting prospect, but it can also be an exciting and rewarding journey.
Solicitors tend to focus on general legal matters, such as drafting wills and advising on business or commercial transactions. However, they will often take on some work that goes to court as well.
Why solicitor instead of barrister?
Barristers on the other hand will only take on a lot of litigation-related work, such as representing clients in trial proceedings. Solicitors London may also be called upon to give an expert opinion in a certain area of law, such as property or employment.
The difference between a barrister and solicitor is that a barrister can only be a sole practitioner, so they will usually be the only lawyer involved in your matter. This means they will be the person you speak to if your case goes to court.
A solicitor can form partnerships or work for a firm of lawyers. This can significantly increase their earning potential.
Normally, a solicitor will work in a relaxed office setting, where they advise their client on their legal matter and negotiate between two parties trying to reach an agreement. This is in contrast to a barrister, who is likely to be travelling around between their offices and court to attend hearings.
