In the UK, the term "lawyer" is an umbrella term that covers anyone working as a legal practitioner, including solicitors, barristers, conveyancers, advocates, arbitrators, and chartered legal executives. However, there are some differences between solicitors and lawyers:
Lawyer:
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A lawyer is a term used to describe anyone who is licensed and can give legal advice to a business, organization, or individual. Lawyers can give legal advice or represent clients in court. This includes solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives.
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In the US, a "lawyer" is a general term for anyone licensed to practice law.
Solicitor:
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A solicitor is someone who provides legal support, advice, and representation in a variety of matters such as criminal law, business law, family law, and property law to the client. Solicitors usually deal with the paperwork and communications that are involved with the clients case. They ensure the accuracy of all procedures and give legal advice, while also preparing paperwork for court when necessary.
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A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides expert legal advice and support to clients, often from the earliest stages of a potential case. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and will often become involved in a case immediately following an allegation, working with clients through the 28 day bail period. A solicitor can also act as the first point of contact for disputes relating to family or commercial matters.
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A solicitor can advocate in court (with the due accreditation) and usually specializes in a certain area of law. It is an offense to call yourself a solicitor if you are not one.
In summary, a solicitor is a type of lawyer that provides expert, tailored legal advice for clients, often from the earliest stages of a potential case. While the term "lawyer" is an umbrella term that covers anyone working as a legal practitioner, including solicitors, barristers, conveyancers, advocates, arbitrators, and chartered legal executives.
