So you need to speak to a lawyer, but you end up speaking to a solicitor and being represented at court by that person who sounds like they should be making you coffee? You know the law is confusing and complicated when even the labels for the people helping you navigate it are confusing. So, what do the terms lawyer, solicitor and barrister actually mean?
Lawyer
A lawyer is someone who practises law. The confusion lies in that this title is often used interchangeably with Solicitor and Barrister in everyday conversation. In short, a lawyer is a professional whose job it is to give legal assistance. 'Lawyer' is an umbrella term into which solicitors and barristers fit.
Solicitor
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional. In practical terms they are the person who you go to for advice. Solicitors are generally the lawyers you see in law firms. Unlike barristers, solicitors often work in firms.
Barrister
A barrister (as opposed to a barista!) is a person who has done further training in the legal profession and passed the bar exam. Essentially, if the solicitor is the lawyer that gets all your information together, a barrister is the person who stands up in court and who argues the point on your behalf. You can identify them by the white wigs and black robes they wear in court (though don’t get them mixed up with the judge – the judge also wears robes and a bigger white wig). Though a barrister may work in a chamber, this only means that they share office space and administrative costs with other barristers while maintaining an independent practice.
If you have received documents from a law firm, hopefully this article has helped you understand a bit more about lawyers in NSW. To find out more about family law, family law lawyers and the court system, please contact James Frank for further advice at jfrank@franklegal.com.au or 02 9688 6023.
If you would like to know more about family law and your rights and obligations in familial relationships please contact us.
This article is provided to the reader for general information. It is not legal advice.This article was written by Andrea Spencer & Emily Graham and edited by James Frank.
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