Is it better to have a solicitor?
Asked by: Carlotta Walsh | Last update: February 1, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)
Yes, it's generally better to have a solicitor for complex legal matters because they provide expert guidance, protect your interests, navigate intricate processes (like buying property, divorce, wills), and prevent costly mistakes, offering reassurance through their extensive training and up-to-date knowledge of the law, especially in stressful situations where emotional decisions could be harmful. While you can sometimes handle simpler issues yourself or use barristers directly for court advocacy, a solicitor is usually your crucial first point of contact for comprehensive legal support.
What are the advantages of using a solicitor?
Legal issues can be confusing and complex. Using a solicitor means they can guide you through legal processes, let you know what choices are available and answer your questions.
Is it worth getting a solicitor?
The value of having a solicitor cannot be overstated, especially when emotions run high. Their objective viewpoint and legal knowledge prevent you from making impulsive decisions that might harm your case in the long term.
Why would someone have a solicitor?
Solicitors help you understand where you stand legally and financially. If you're unsure whether to take a matter to court or settle it privately, they'll lay out your options, risks, and rights. This kind of early advice often prevents costly mistakes.
How does a solicitor differ from a lawyer?
A lawyer is a general term for a legal professional, while a solicitor is a specific type of lawyer, especially common in the UK/Commonwealth, who primarily handles client advice, documentation (wills, contracts, property), and out-of-court settlements, often preparing cases for a barrister for higher court appearances. In contrast, a barrister specializes in courtroom advocacy, though many jurisdictions blur these lines, and "lawyer" often covers both roles.
Solicitor vs Barrister: What's the difference | The University of Law
What kind of cases do solicitors handle?
What do solicitors do day to day? Your tasks can vary widely depending on the area of specialisation – from housing and divorce to commercial transactions and criminal cases – and the type of law firm or organisation you end up working for.
Who is more qualified, a solicitor or a lawyer?
A solicitor is a type of lawyer who has completed a law degree, obtained a practising certificate, and been admitted to legal practice. In Queensland, as in the rest of Australia, most solicitors simply refer to themselves as lawyers.
At what point do you get a solicitor?
Most people tend to approach and contact a conveyancing Solicitor once they have either placed an offer on a property they are looking to purchase, following a viewing with an estate agent, or when they have accepted an offer from a perspective buyer on a property they are looking to sell.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate.
What can a solicitor not do?
Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs, RFLs and RSLs
- You do not unfairly discriminate by allowing your personal views to affect your professional relationships and the way in which you provide your services.
- You do not abuse your position by taking unfair advantage of clients or others.
What are the disadvantages of using a solicitor?
One of a few downsides to getting a solicitor to negotiate your financial settlement on your behalf is expense. Depending on your situation, negotiations can take a long time. As most solicitors charge by the hour this can end up running into a large bill.
What not to say to a lawyer?
You should not tell a lawyer to downplay injuries, admit fault, lie, exaggerate, withhold details, or trash-talk others involved; avoid telling them how to do their job, comparing them to other lawyers, being overly casual (like saying "you guys"), or discussing irrelevant personal info, as honesty is key, but focus on facts and let the lawyer guide strategy, especially regarding admissions or social media posts.
Can you trust a solicitor?
Check whether a firm or individual is authorised via the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Regulated firms are held to strict professional standards and offer client protection. Do They Have Good Reviews? Look for recent, independent reviews from real clients on trusted platforms like Review Solicitors.
What would you need a solicitor for?
Solicitors are legal experts and can help you with legal issues such as:
- buying a house.
- getting a divorce.
- making a will.
- starting your own business.
What can only a solicitor do?
The issues that solicitors advise on range from personal issues (such as wills and divorces) to commercial work (such as mergers and acquisitions). Once qualified, you could work in private practice, in-house for commercial or industrial organisations, in local or central government, or in the court service.
Is it better to use a local solicitor?
Using a solicitor who is local to you, or local to the property that you are buying or selling, is always likely to be a better option for you than using a large national provider.
Is $10,000 a lot for a lawyer?
Lawyers typically charge retainer fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on their experience, location, and case complexity. For more complex cases, retainers can exceed $10,000. The specifics are outlined in a retainer agreement, which may be refundable or non-refundable.
Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?
No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is still working towards passing the California Bar Exam, having recently failed it again in late 2025, despite completing her legal studies through an apprenticeship program and passing the \"baby bar\" in 2021. She consistently expresses her commitment to becoming a licensed attorney, viewing her setbacks as motivation to keep studying for the full bar exam.
How much of a 25k settlement will I get?
From a $25,000 settlement, you'll likely get significantly less than the full amount, often around $8,000 to $12,000, after attorney fees (typically 33-40%), case costs (filing fees, records), and medical bills/liens are paid, with the exact amount depending on how much your lawyer charges and the total medical expenses you owe.
Do I need a solicitor before I make an offer?
In England and Wales, it isn't a legal requirement to have a solicitor in order to make an offer on a house purchase. However, you can register your interest with solicitors and ensure you are informed of whether they will be able to act for you. In general, solicitors are instructed after the offer is accepted.
Which is cheaper, a conveyancer or a solicitor?
In general though, licensed conveyancers are more cost-effective than solicitors when it comes to a conveyancing matter. Conveyancers have a narrower focus and specialist knowledge in conveyancing law, so they may be better able to provide tailored advice for you.
Who pays for a solicitor?
Solicitors charge for their time and services. If you're getting legal advice or representation from a solicitor, you'll probably need to pay for these services. Costs for legal services will depend on which solicitor you choose.
What does a solicitor actually do?
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides expert advice, drafts legal documents (like contracts, wills, leases), negotiates settlements, manages cases, and represents clients in various legal matters, from property and family law to commercial disputes, often acting as the first point of contact for individuals and businesses needing legal help. They translate complex legal issues into understandable terms, manage client relationships, conduct legal research, and prepare cases for potential court action, working both outside and sometimes within the courtroom.
What is higher than a solicitor?
However, barristers can work at much higher levels of court than solicitors. The training you need to undertake depends on which career you wish to pursue, though both roles will require you to have completed an undergraduate degree.
Who is more powerful than a lawyer?
Advocates typically have more power in legal proceedings because they can argue cases in court, whereas lawyers without bar registration cannot.