Solicitor: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉโโ๏ธ
solicitor
[sษหlษชsษชtษ ]
Definition
legal profession
A solicitor is a legal practitioner who traditionally deals with most of the legal matters in some jurisdictions. A solicitor is often the first point of contact for anyone seeking legal advice or representation.
Synonyms
attorney, lawyer, legal adviser.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| solicitor |
Commonly used in the UK, a solicitor provides legal advice, prepares legal documents, and may represent clients in lower courts. This term is best for discussing legal professionals handling transactional or advisory work in the UK.
|
| lawyer |
A general term used globally to describe someone who practices law. This term can be used interchangeably in various contexts and settings.
|
| attorney |
Predominantly used in the US, an attorney is a licensed legal professional who represents clients in legal matters, including court cases.
|
| legal adviser |
Refers to someone who provides legal information and advice, but who may not necessarily represent clients in court. Often used to describe in-house counsel or consultants.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to consult a solicitor about my legal rights.
- The solicitor will help you prepare the legal documents.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'solicitor' comes from the Latin word 'sollicitare', meaning 'to stir up' or 'to seek'.
- Historically, this role distinguished themselves from other types of lawyers, such as barristers, who represent clients in court.
Legal Systems
- In England and Wales, solicitors are responsible for preparing cases for court and advising clients on their legal rights.
- In some countries, solicitors can represent clients in lower courts but typically refer cases to barristers for higher courts.
Pop Culture
- The role of solicitors is often portrayed in movies and TV shows, showcasing their dramatic presence in legal battles.
- Famous fictional solicitors like 'Harvey Specter' from 'Suits' have helped popularize the role in modern media.
Education
- To become a solicitor, individuals often attend law school and must complete a period of practical training known as a 'training contract'.
- There are various specializations for solicitors, including family law, criminal law, and corporate law, allowing lawyers to focus on areas of interest.
Psychology
- Solicitors often need strong interpersonal skills as they work with clients who may be stressed or anxious about legal situations.
- Empathy and active listening are crucial traits that successful solicitors employ to understand their clientsโ needs.
Translations
Translations of the word "solicitor" in other languages:
๐ต๐น advogado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเคเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Anwalt
๐ฎ๐ฉ pengacara
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะดะฒะพะบะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ adwokat
๐ฏ๐ต ๅผ่ญทๅฃซ
๐ซ๐ท avocat
๐ช๐ธ abogado
๐น๐ท avukat
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ณํธ์ฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุญุงู
๐จ๐ฟ advokรกt
๐ธ๐ฐ advokรกt
๐จ๐ณ ๅพๅธ
๐ธ๐ฎ odvetnik
๐ฎ๐ธ lรถgmaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะดะฒะพะบะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ vษkil
๐ฒ๐ฝ abogado