Solicitor and barristers are professional titles that might prove to be confusing to people under a different legal system. Their functions are similar to lawyers but there are some fundamental differences regarding the scope of their legal practice.
English courts or clients filing a case in the UK usually employ the services of a solicitor and a barrister. UK courts have specific laws regarding the function of these legal professionals. One of the major differences in the functions performed by a solicitor and barrister is their relationship with the client. Solicitors are legally acknowledged as professionals who can represent clients in cases, sign contracts or file cases in court. They are also the only legal professionals who may elicit clients. Solicitors because of their (traditional) direct access to clients have the legal obligation of preparing cases and advice.
Because of the unique nature between the job of a barrister and a solicitor, clients may not address a barrister directly. It is the solicitor who decides whether the services of a barrister is necessary for a particular case and serves as a channel between the client and barrister. Another distinction between solicitors and barristers is that solicitors are that the latter is often found working in an office while the court is an area of specialisation for a barrister.
UK barristers on the other hand were in the past barred by law from representing clients, and could only speak on behalf of the client [under the direct instruction of a solicitor]. They are now available through direct public access, and this has led to a wave of new types of barristers solely representing themselves. Although there are limitations in terms of how a barrister can represent a client, these professionals specialise in advocacy and can prove to be a valuable ally in cases presented in courts.
Barristers under specific instructions of solicitors are tasked with preparing legal arguments and takes audience before a court. An easier way distinguishing solicitors and barristers is their official uniform in court where barristers are seen wearing robes. Barristers are appointed through nominations from within the legal system.
English courts or clients filing a case in the UK usually employ the services of a solicitor and a barrister. UK courts have specific laws regarding the function of these legal professionals. One of the major differences in the functions performed by a solicitor and barrister is their relationship with the client. Solicitors are legally acknowledged as professionals who can represent clients in cases, sign contracts or file cases in court. They are also the only legal professionals who may elicit clients. Solicitors because of their (traditional) direct access to clients have the legal obligation of preparing cases and advice.
Because of the unique nature between the job of a barrister and a solicitor, clients may not address a barrister directly. It is the solicitor who decides whether the services of a barrister is necessary for a particular case and serves as a channel between the client and barrister. Another distinction between solicitors and barristers is that solicitors are that the latter is often found working in an office while the court is an area of specialisation for a barrister.
UK barristers on the other hand were in the past barred by law from representing clients, and could only speak on behalf of the client [under the direct instruction of a solicitor]. They are now available through direct public access, and this has led to a wave of new types of barristers solely representing themselves. Although there are limitations in terms of how a barrister can represent a client, these professionals specialise in advocacy and can prove to be a valuable ally in cases presented in courts.
Barristers under specific instructions of solicitors are tasked with preparing legal arguments and takes audience before a court. An easier way distinguishing solicitors and barristers is their official uniform in court where barristers are seen wearing robes. Barristers are appointed through nominations from within the legal system.
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