Differences Between Barristers and Solicitors in the English Legal System

757 Words4 Pages
The differences between Barristers and Solicitors in the English Legal System The system in England and Wales differs from many other jurisdictions in having two distinct categories of lawyers, with marked differences in their roles. Although both undergo similar lengths of training and apprenticeship, each has their own place in the legal system. The general public will almost always turn to a solicitor rather than a barrister as their first port of call when requiring legal advice. Typically firms of solicitors have premises in towns and cities across the country, where any members of the community can walk in. The problems people may bring for assessment by solicitors vary across the whole range of severity and area of law. This contrasts with Barristers who are generally hired by firms of solicitors for court work, or commissioned by wealthy clients to advise on significant legal issues, typically of high commercial value. Barristers generally do not have shop fronts where the whole of society can simply walk in. The limitations to people contacting Barristers directly were reduced by the Bar council's public access rules in 2004. Still, this only applies in certain circumstances, and the majority of lay people will contact Solicitors rather than Barristers. Solicitors must be able to create good working relationships with the full spectrum of personalities that may become their clients, explaining points of law, and legal process, in a clear accessible manner. Each person is different and solicitors need to foster good interaction so that a client understands the options present and is able to give sensible instruction. Of paramount importance to a Barrister, however, is advocacy, and courtroom advocacy in particular. They must excel at presenting legal arguments in a persuasive manner, to attract the support of judges and juries. Obviously,

More about Differences Between Barristers and Solicitors in the English Legal System

Open Document