What is the difference between a lawyer and a litigator?

Jan 16, 2023 | Publication

The word ‘lawyer’ is the generic term for a legal practitioner and can include solicitors, barristers and even judges and magistrates.

A ‘litigator’ is a lawyer who practices in the area of court work and can include advocacy.

A ‘litigator’ can include a solicitor or a barrister.

In New South Wales, the Law Society of NSW accredits solicitors as specialists in such areas as commercial litigation.

Many lawyers do not go to court.  Lawyers who practice in the area of transactional work (such as drafting and reviewing contracts) are lawyers but not litigators.

In New South Wales there are over 37,000 lawyers.

Lawyers also include barristers.

NSW Bar Association is the professional body for barristers.

The Law Society of NSW is the professional body for solicitors.

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