A solicitor is a lawyer who provides legal advice to clients but does not necessarily represent client before a court. Solicitors mostly take on non-contentious cases with very little involvement in litigation. Although this is not always the case. A barrister is a lawyer whose speciality lies in representing clients in court. They review evidence (provided by a solicitor) and prepare to plead the client’s case before a judge.
The English and Welsh legal system still upholds a sharp distinction between solicitors and barristers.
As a result, choosing one of these paths have become a source of confusion for law students. It is no doubt that deciding which one is for you is one of the most important choices a law student will make. This article seeks to throw light on factors that are influence this decision making.
Solicitor is Better
- There is financial security and stability in being a solicitor. Solicitors are permanent employees of their firms. As a result, a monthly salary is guaranteed, annual leave and a range of benefits which vary from gym memberships to stock options depending on their firm. Barristers on the other hand are mostly self employed and are not likely to have access to employment benefits such as sick pay, maternity leave or holiday pay. This also means there is no financial security.
- Solicitors have more client interaction. Members of the public usually contact a solicitor before a barrister gets involved (that is if they need one). They answer queries and keep clients up to date with developments in their cases. As a result, solicitors enjoy one on one contact and build close relationships with their client. This makes being a solicitor ideal for someone who is a “people person”.
- Solicitors work as part of team. Within law firms, solicitors work closely with their colleagues, legal secretaries, paralegals and other administrative staff to make sure the needs of clients are met and maximise the department’s profits. Senior members of the firm will offer support and advice you will need to succeed as your career progresses.
- Work is varied and challenging. Solicitors are involved in diverse and intellectually stimulating work. This is as a result of contact with clients who come with a variety of complex issues.
- Solicitors have the option to work internationally, for instance through a secondment in their training contract. This boosts professional development. However, this depends on the firm, but most firms offer this type of experience.
- Lastly, while law school is expensive, many law firms will pay for your further education and provide an award to pay for your living expenses while you are studying.
Barrister is Better
- If your ambition is to become a lawyer and your interests lie in public speaking and debating, then becoming a barrister is the path for you. This is because barristers are the leading advocates in a trial. They have the responsibility of projecting arguments before the court and enjoy the excitement of a trial.
- Barristers are usually self-employed but are attached to a chamber. This gives them freedom in their work. This means they are able to choose their working hours, where to work from and their days off. They are able to structure their work life to fit their needs. This also implies that they are flexible with working arrangements. They provide specialist support when needed by client or can work as part of a team on cases and contracts. There is no imposition of a fee structure and fees can be tailored to a client’s needs.
- Being a barrister is more lucrative than being a solicitor. However, the competition is higher and the number of pupillages available are very limited.
- Barristers enjoy variety in their workload. Barristers must accept any case which is offered to them, as long as they their competent. This is the cab rank rule which barristers must abide by. This means they cannot cherry pick cases. As a result, there is always a new challenge and variety in the workload.
It is very important to take time to make your decision. The only way to know which path best suits you is to get as much experience as you can. For instance, working with a charity involved in legal work, applying for mini-pupillages, participating in mooting or pro bono work or spending time in courts and tribunals. Speaking with tutors or the careers service at your university will give some more insight on both paths. Seek a mentor who can be honest and advise you on what being a solicitor or barrister really entails. It is common to find it hard to decide after doing your research and it will be advisable to look into going in house, legal journalism and working in academia. After qualification, if you realize you made the wrong choice, movement between the two professions is possible.
By Andrea Dennis
