In many countries of the Commonwealth, a distinction is still made between Barristers and Solicitors. This guide will clear up the confusion.
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Solicitors
Solicitors are attorneys who do not usually have the right to represent clients at trial. You will find solicitors in England, Scotland, Ireland, and other nations that use the English system. Solicitors are your first line of contact and are the ones who actually instruct Barristers or Advocates. If you need legal representation in England, Ireland, Scotland, etc. always contact a solicitor first. Solicitors may also go under the name Licensed Conveyancer (a solicitor specializing in property) and sometimes Legal Practitioner which in some far flung jurisdictions could be a layman.
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Barristers
Barristers handle trials. They are instructed by solicitors on behalf of the client. Barristers do not usually have clients aside from solicitors. In some jurisdictions barristers are known as advocates. In other jurisdictions the title is purely honorary and a barrister may be also a soliticot or advocate as in Nigeria.
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USA
In the USA a solicitor is a fancy name for a salesman though in some jurisdictions like South Carolina, prosecuting attorneys for the state or county are called Solicitors. Likewise, the Solicitor General of the United is the Executive branch's top attorney.
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