Solicitors and barristers make up the two branches of the English legal profession. This separation is primarily the product of historical factors rather than a deliberate attempt to split the profession into two segments. Bar Council controls barristers through the Bar Standards Board, while the Law Society regulates solicitors through the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.
Legal representation is not always required, even if some tasks—like representation in court—must be carried out by solicitors or barristers. Simple concerns like debt repayment cannot be entrusted to a UK attorney by clients. However, the likelihood of seeking legal counsel increases if the claim is complicated or the plaintiff is suing for a significant quantity of money. Clients frequently feel they lack the legal knowledge or expertise to defend themselves, thus solicitors may anticipate regular work.
In England and Wales, there are now more than 150,000 practicing solicitors. Most individuals begin with this to become lawyers in the UK. A solicitor is a licensed legal advisor who works directly with clients. For example, Southport solicitors work closely with clients to thoroughly comprehend their unique needs and provide assistance in effectively and professionally resolving disputes, including:
- Common problems: Solicitors offer knowledgeable advice on problems that individuals encounter every day, including drafting wills, buying and selling homes (conveyancing), and handling breakups in relationships, among other things.
- Stimulating business: Lawyers assist companies with the legal aspects of business transactions.
- Upholding individual rights: Solicitors educate clients on their legal options to ensure that they are treated fairly by public and private entities and that they are entitled to compensation where the law allows it.
- Giving back to the community: Many lawyers volunteer some of their time to aid individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
In lower courts, solicitors may represent clients directly. With more training, they may also be allowed to represent clients in higher courts. A solicitor may choose to work in the court system, “in-house” at a company or organization, or in the local or national government.
The Work of Solicitors
For both private citizens and companies looking for legal counsel and help, solicitors are frequently the first port of call. They prefer to specialize in one or two specific legal fields, such as criminal law, personal injury law, dispute resolution law, real estate law, or corporate/commercial law.
The core skills of a solicitor are project management and issue solving. Within the context of the common law of England and Wales (case law, or laws formed through cases that have previously been resolved), statutes, and regulations, solicitors assist clients in identifying challenges and locating legal answers to their problems.
The solicitor often oversees the client’s legal matter from beginning to end. They frequently communicate with a variety of persons to resolve issues and find a solution, whether they are selling a home, resolving a personal injury claim, or defending a client against criminal accusations. How to become a lawyer in the UK depends heavily on these fundamental abilities. However, depending on the size and kind of business, how these abilities are applied varies significantly throughout a large number of practice areas within the profession.
In addition to the client’s needs and best interests, solicitors must take their client’s legal situation into account. In this approach, solutions need to be viable and practical in addition to being lawful. Similar to barristers, solicitors frequently work with governmental organizations and groups to develop and amend the law.
All solicitors in England and Wales, as well as registered European attorneys and registered international lawyers, are subject to regulation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA oversees, monitors, and enforces standards for solicitors as well as handles all regulatory and disciplinary issues. It operates only for the benefit of the public and was formerly known as the Law Society Regulation Board.
Why Do People Seek Legal Counsel?
These widespread explanations were identified by a recent study:
- Engaging in illicit activity
- Conveyancing – purchasing or selling real estate
- Debt issues
- Consumer law, specifically when buying defective products or services
- Traffic offenses, particularly those that carry a license suspension risk
- Issues involving family law such as divorce
- A conflict in the workplace between an employer and an employee
There will be moments in your life when you require the assistance of a solicitor for legal advice and direction, from purchasing your first house to drafting a will.
We developed this article in order to better help you understand when you might need a solicitor’s support throughout your life and the crucial part they play in safeguarding your best interests.
