Broadly speaking, barristers compared to solicitors are courtroom specialists who specialise in particular areas of law and are therefore often asked by solicitors for their opinion on technical and complex legal questions.
Solicitors
The term ‘lawyer’ refers to both solicitors and barristers. In NSW lawyers qualify as legal practitioners, but may only practice as a solicitor or a barrister, not both.
Solicitors are normally who most people deal with in their legal matters. Solicitors often do a variety of legal work and can appear in court to represent a client, but if a case is complex, they may advice a client to use a barrister to represent them in court.
Barristers
Barristers are specialist advocates and are usually engaged by the solicitor, not the client, though the client pays their fees.
Certificates
All practicing lawyers must have a practicing certificate. These are issued by the Bar Association for barristers and by the Law Society for solicitors.
The information in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this publication is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. We are not responsible for the information of any source to which a link is provided or reference is made and exclude all liability in connection with use of these sources. If you do not wish to receive newsletters from us, please let us know.