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What is a Solicitor?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The term “solicitor” has several different meanings, depending on the context and where in the world one is. In some parts of the world, a solicitor is a member of the legal profession, with job roles which may vary, depending on regional laws. In other areas, people use the term to refer to someone who solicits services, donations, and other things from people and organizations. This explains the “no solicitors” signs sometimes posted on doors and gates: people aren't trying to keep out lawyers, they are warning advertisers that their presence is unwelcome.

In the legal sense, a solicitor is someone who has undergone legal training and been admitted to the practice of law. In some countries, the legal profession is split into two separate categories: solicitors and barristers. Solicitors handle legal matters outside of court, providing legal advice to clients, preparing legal arguments, and so forth. They are also sometimes admitted to practice in the lower courts. Barristers, on the other hand, actively participate in court, arguing cases before a judge.

In the United States, a solicitor general represents the government in proceedings before the Supreme Court.
In the United States, a solicitor general represents the government in proceedings before the Supreme Court.

In countries where there is a clear division of labor, solicitors are allowed to solicit clients directly, but barristers are not. This means that a solicitor works with a barrister, referring cases to the barrister if it becomes apparent that the case is going to court. People who retain legal counsel usually retain a solicitor, relying on the solicitor's judgment if a barrister is required.

In the legal sense, a solicitor is someone who has undergone legal training and been admitted to the practice of law.
In the legal sense, a solicitor is someone who has undergone legal training and been admitted to the practice of law.

Some regions of the world decided that the divided system did not work, and they streamlined the two professions into one, which explains why people may refer to a legal professional as a “solicitor and barrister.” In other areas, the divided legal system never existed, and legal professionals known as attorneys or lawyers may practice in court as well as out of court.

Countries with a unified legal system in which people can work both in and out of court may reserve the term “solicitor” for the chief legal officer of a regional government. For example, the United States has a Solicitor General who argues on behalf of the Government in the Supreme Court. Other local and regional governments may also retain a chief legal officer who is referred to as the solicitor. A regional solicitor may also be called a state's or town's attorney, a prosecutor, or a district attorney.

As a general rule, the type of solicitor under discussion is usually obvious from the context. People living in nations with unfamiliar legal systems, however, may want to be careful about how they use the term, to ensure that their meaning is understood.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Oceana

I appreciate it when businesses post the “no solicitors” sign on the door. I hate going into a store and being bombarded by someone in my face trying to sell me something.

These people take me off guard, because they approach me as soon as I enter with a request to buy something or donate money to some cause. I feel guilty if I don't donate, and if they are selling a product, they are very persistent and don't easily take “no” for an answer.

If I see the “no solicitors” sign, I know that I can feel safe in that store. I've also seen this sign on fast food restaurant doors. I find it strange that anyone would consider setting up shop inside a food joint where everyone is in a hurry.

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    • In the United States, a solicitor general represents the government in proceedings before the Supreme Court.
      By: Bastos
      In the United States, a solicitor general represents the government in proceedings before the Supreme Court.
    • In the legal sense, a solicitor is someone who has undergone legal training and been admitted to the practice of law.
      By: Minerva Studio
      In the legal sense, a solicitor is someone who has undergone legal training and been admitted to the practice of law.