What Is a Lawyer Called in the UK? Solicitor vs Barrister
Updated: Oct 10
What is a lawyer called in the UK? In British English, the word "lawyer" is general. Most lawyers are called either a solicitor or a barrister. If you have watched a British TV show or film, you will have heard both terms. This guide explains the difference between them, how each one trains, and who to call first when you have a legal problem.
This page is about England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own legal systems and their own names for some roles.
The two main types of lawyer called in the UK
In England and Wales, there are two main kinds of lawyer:
Solicitors
Barristers
1. Solicitors
Solicitors give legal advice to people and organisations. They are usually the first person you contact when you need legal help. A solicitor will:
Advise clients: explain the law and how it affects your situation.
Prepare documents: draw up contracts, wills and other legal papers.
Represent clients: act for you in dealings with the other side, and in some courts and tribunals.
Stay in direct contact: guide you through each step of the process.
Most solicitors work in law firms. Others work for government bodies or inside companies. Firms range from small local practices to very large international firms. Solicitors can also specialise. Common areas include family law, commercial law, property, employment and dispute resolution.
Who regulates solicitors?
Solicitors in England and Wales are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA sets the standards solicitors must meet and can take action if they do not. The Law Society is the professional body that represents and supports solicitors. It does not act as their regulator. You can check a solicitor on the SRA register.
2. Barristers
Barristers are lawyers who specialise in advocacy. This means speaking for clients in court. They also give expert written opinions on difficult points of law. A barrister will usually:
Argue cases in court: especially in the higher courts.
Give specialist advice: on complex or narrow legal issues.
Work on instructions from a solicitor: most clients reach a barrister through their solicitor.
Barristers are often self-employed and share offices called chambers. They are regulated by the Bar Standards Board, and the Bar Council represents them. In court, barristers sometimes wear wigs and gowns, though practice varies by court.
The difference between a solicitor and a barrister
The simplest way to see the difference between them is by their role. A solicitor is usually your main adviser and manages your case. A barrister is a specialist who often steps in for court work or for a specific opinion.
Contact with clients: solicitors deal with you directly. Barristers usually work through a solicitor.
Court work: barristers specialise in it, but many solicitors also appear in court. Some solicitors hold extra qualifications that give them rights to appear in higher courts.
Where they work: solicitors are in law firms or organisations. Barristers are usually in chambers.
The line between the two roles has become less sharp over time. Still, as a rule, you will see a solicitor first. The solicitor may then instruct a barrister if your case needs one.
How solicitors and barristers work together
First contact: you go to a solicitor with your problem.
Preparation: the solicitor gathers information, gives advice and prepares the case.
Instructing a barrister: if the case needs specialist advocacy, the solicitor hires a barrister.
Team effort: both work together to help the client.
Think of a football team. The solicitor is like the coach who plans the strategy and guides the players. The barrister is like the striker who goes on the pitch to score.
Other legal professionals in the UK
Besides solicitors and barristers, other people work in the legal system:
Chartered legal executives: specialist lawyers who qualify through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). They often focus on one area, such as property or family law, and work alongside solicitors.
Paralegals: support solicitors by researching, preparing documents and helping with files. They are not necessarily fully qualified lawyers.
Judges: oversee court proceedings and decide cases. Many judges were once barristers or solicitors.
Only certain people may carry out reserved legal activities, such as appearing in court on behalf of others or conducting litigation. The Legal Services Act 2007 says that these must be done by authorised persons. You can read the Act on legislation.gov.uk.
How to become a lawyer in the UK
Becoming a solicitor
The route to qualification changed in 2021. Under the newer system, you must usually:
Hold a degree, in law or another subject.
Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in two stages.
Complete qualifying work experience, which is often two years full time.
Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.
The older route used the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course and a training contract. Some people are still qualifying that way under transitional arrangements. See the SRA's guidance on becoming a solicitor for current details.
Becoming a barrister
To become a barrister you need a degree, or a law conversion course. You then complete vocational training approved by the Bar Standards Board, and a year of practical training called pupillage. After pupillage you can practise. The Bar Standards Board publishes the current route on its website.
Where cases are heard
Lower courts include the Magistrates' Court, the County Court and tribunals. Solicitors can appear in these. The higher courts include the High Court, the Crown Court and the Supreme Court. Barristers often appear there, although some solicitors also have rights to do so.
Areas of law
Lawyers can specialise. Common areas include:
Criminal law: crimes and punishment.
Family law: divorce and children. See our guide to family law solicitors in London.
Commercial law: helping companies with contracts and disputes.
Employment law: workplace rights and disputes.
Intellectual property law: protecting inventions, brands and creative works.
Specialising makes a lawyer more knowledgeable in their area. It is wise to pick someone who deals with your type of problem every day.
What is a lawyer called in the UK in practice?
In practice, a lawyer called a solicitor is usually the right person to contact first. A lawyer called a barrister is the person your solicitor may bring in for court work. Whichever title you meet, check that the person is properly regulated. Ask the firm what experience it has with problems like yours. If you remember one thing, remember this. The title tells you the role, and the role tells you who to call.
Giving clients the right help
Both solicitors and barristers provide legal services. These include advising, advocacy, negotiation and document drafting. Giving clients clear and honest advice is a core duty of both roles.
What do other countries call a lawyer?
Terms differ around the world. In Turkey, for example, the word is avukat. Read our guide on what a lawyer is called in Turkey for the comparison. For more on the meaning of the word solicitor, see solicitor definition and meaning in the UK. If you are curious about pay, our article on lawyer salaries in the UK has more.
Summary
In the UK, a lawyer is usually called a solicitor or a barrister, depending on the role.
Solicitors advise clients, prepare documents and work closely with them. They are regulated by the SRA.
Barristers specialise in court advocacy and expert opinions. They are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.
You usually see a solicitor first. The solicitor may then instruct a barrister.
Other legal professionals include chartered legal executives, paralegals and judges.
Conclusion
Understanding what a lawyer is called in the UK helps you know who to turn to if you need legal help. If you need advice, start with a solicitor. They can explain your options, draft legal documents and bring in a barrister if your case needs one. A law firm will usually explain the likely costs at the start. If you want to talk about a legal problem, please contact us.
