Author: Xin Ern (Ilex) Teow
Organisation: GO Legally Gifted (GLG)
1.0 Introduction
The UK legal profession is divided into two main branches: barristers and solicitors. Although both play critical roles in upholding justice and providing legal services, they differ significantly in terms of training pathways, day-to-day responsibilities, and working environments. Whether you’re a law student deciding which path to pursue or simply curious about how the UK legal system operates, understanding the distinction between barristers and solicitors is essential. This guide offers a clear, professional, and accessible breakdown of the key differences between the two roles.
2.0 Body
2.1 What Does a Solicitor Do?
Solicitors are usually the first legal professionals approached by individuals, businesses, or organisations seeking legal assistance. Their work is broad-ranging and can include giving legal advice, drafting contracts, managing transactions, preparing legal documents, and handling matters from inception to resolution. Solicitors often work on non-contentious matters such as property sales, company mergers, or wills and probate. However, many are also involved in litigation, managing cases and preparing them for court. With additional qualifications, such as higher rights of audience, solicitors may represent clients in higher courts as solicitor advocates. Their role is largely client-facing, requiring strong communication skills and a deep understanding of legal processes and client needs.
2.2 What Does a Barrister Do?
Barristers are specialist advocates who represent clients in court, particularly in complex or high-value disputes. They are typically engaged by solicitors when expert legal opinion or courtroom advocacy is required. Barristers draft legal pleadings, provide specialist advice, and advocate before judges and juries, often in higher courts. Their work is deeply focused on legal argument, cross-examination, and oral submissions. Most barristers are self-employed and work independently from chambers, shared offices that provide administrative support. While their direct contact with clients may be limited compared to solicitors, barristers are expected to demonstrate exceptional analytical and public speaking skills and an in-depth knowledge of the law.
2.3 Training and Qualification
Both barristers and solicitors begin their journeys with either a qualifying law degree or a non-law degree, followed by a law conversion course such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). To become a solicitor, candidates must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)—a two-part assessment testing legal knowledge and practical skills. They must also complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), which can be gained across multiple legal settings, including law firms, in-house legal teams, or pro bono clinics. To become a barrister, aspiring advocates must complete a Bar training course (formerly the Bar Professional Training Course), which focuses on advocacy, legal research, and ethics. This is followed by a 12-month pupillage, where the candidate trains under the supervision of an experienced barrister, gaining hands-on experience in chambers and courtrooms. While both pathways are intellectually rigorous, the solicitor route tends to be more structured and team-oriented, whereas the barrister route is more specialised, self-driven, and advocacy-focused.
2.4 Work Environment: Collaboration vs Independence
Solicitors usually work within structured environments such as law firms, corporations, government agencies, or NGOs. Their roles are collaborative and client-focused, involving ongoing legal support, case management, and long-term relationships with clients. Barristers, in contrast, are largely self-employed and work independently within chambers. While they may collaborate with clerks and other barristers, their role is more solitary and focused on case-specific work, often at the litigation stage. Despite their different environments, solicitors and barristers frequently collaborate. In contentious matters, solicitors manage the case, liaise with clients, gather evidence, and instruct barristers. The barrister then provides expert legal opinions and represents the client in court. This teamwork ensures clients benefit from both broad legal support and expert advocacy.
2.5 Rights of Audience
A key distinction between the two roles lies in the rights of the audience, the legal authority to represent clients in court. Solicitors can appear in lower courts such as Magistrates’ and County Courts. With further training and qualifications, they may obtain higher rights of audience, allowing them to represent clients in superior courts. Barristers have full rights of audience, meaning they are automatically entitled to appear in all courts, including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. This makes them particularly well-suited for complex litigation and appellate matters.
2.6 Income and Career Structure
Solicitors are usually employed by law firms or organisations and receive a regular salary. Their career progression is often structured, with clear milestones such as associate, senior associate, and partner. While the role offers financial stability, it can come with demanding workloads and tight deadlines. Barristers are self-employed and are typically paid per case or brief, meaning their income can vary significantly depending on workload and experience. Early in their careers, barristers may face intense competition and irregular income. However, successful barristers can enjoy considerable flexibility and autonomy in their practice.
3.0 Conclusion
There is no universally “better” option, only the path that best suits your personality, interests, and strengths. If you enjoy advising clients, working in teams, and managing long-term legal matters, the solicitor route may align with your ambitions. If you are passionate about public speaking, advocacy, and complex legal argument, you may find the barrister path more fulfilling.
Both professions are intellectually demanding, deeply respected, and central to the delivery of justice in the UK. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be contributing meaningfully to society and shaping the future of the legal profession.
Bibliography
Legislation
Legal Services Act 2007
Books
Allbon E and Dua SK, Elliott and Quinn’s English Legal System (22nd edn, Pearson Education 2024)
Websites
BPP, Barrister vs Solicitor (BPP) <https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/difference-between-barrister-and-solicitor> accessed 14 July 2025
Law Society, Legal Professionals – Who Does What? (The Law Society, 2025) <https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/resources/who-does-what> accessed 14 July 2025
Lawyer Portal, How to Decide Whether to Become a Solicitor or Barrister (The Lawyer Portal) <https://www.thelawyerportal.com/careers/difference-between-solicitor-and-barrister/how-to-decide-solicitor-or-barrister/> accessed 14 July 2025
Lawyer Portal, Lawyer Salary: Barrister Salary vs Solicitor Salary (The Lawyer Portal) <https://www.thelawyerportal.com/careers/difference-between-solicitor-and-barrister/lawyer-salary-barrister-salary-solicitor-salary/> accessed 14 July 2025
Lawyer Portal, What Is a Solicitor? And Is It the Right Role for Me? (The Lawyer Portal) <https://www.thelawyerportal.com/solicitor/what-is-a-solicitor/> accessed 14 July 2025
Longstaff G, Barrister or Solicitor – What’s the Difference? (The University of Law, 7 October 2022, updated 22 October 2024) <https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/the-difference-between-a-barrister-and-solicitor/> accessed 14 July 2025
Slater and Gordon, Differences Between a Lawyer, a Solicitor and a Barrister (Slater and Gordon, 27 May 2025) <https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/newsroom/difference-between-a-lawyer-a-solicitor-and-a-barrister-explained/> accessed 14 July 2025
