Solicitor
A qualified lawyer authorised to advise clients on legal matters, draft documents, and represent them in court.
Definition
A solicitor is a regulated legal professional qualified to give legal advice, draft contracts and court documents, handle conveyancing and probate, and represent clients in most courts in England and Wales. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and must hold a current practising certificate. Unlike barristers, who specialise in advocacy, solicitors are general-purpose lawyers — they are the usual first point of contact for legal problems. Solicitors with "higher rights of audience" can also represent clients in the Crown Court and High Court, which traditionally required a barrister. Fees must be disclosed upfront; clients have the right to receive a "client care letter" setting out the costs estimate and terms of engagement. Complaints about solicitors are handled by the Legal Ombudsman.
In practice
Use the Law Society's Find a Solicitor directory (lawsociety.org.uk) to find a solicitor accredited in the area of law you need. Check that the solicitor holds a current SRA practising certificate before instructing. Many solicitors offer a free initial consultation. If fees become unaffordable, ask about fixed-fee options, conditional fee arrangements (no-win no-fee), and whether you qualify for legal aid. Citizens Advice can often help identify whether legal aid is available for your type of case.