The terms ‘lawyer’, ‘solicitor’ and ‘barrister’ are often used interchangeably in Australia. This can be very confusing. Understanding the differences can help you determine exactly what type of assistance you can expect to receive when you seek legal advice.
Here is a simplified breakdown of common legal terminology:
- Solicitor: A solicitor is a legal practitioner who specialises in advocating for a client outside of the court room. A solicitor is typically the first legal practitioner you will meet in most legal matters. They will conference with you, draft letters and documents to try and resolve your matter without going to court, and in most cases, can assist you in finalising a matter outside the courtroom. Solicitors will sometimes appear in court for clients, typically for less complex matters. A solicitor will represent you for the entirety of your matter.
- Barrister: A barrister is a lawyer who specialises in advocacy. This typically occurs in the courtroom, however barristers are also commonly engaged to advocate for clients in mediations, arbitrations and at ‘round table’ conferences. In Victoria, only a solicitor can directly engage a barrister. Barristers are typically engaged for a single hearing, or for a day at a time.
- Lawyer: ‘Lawyer’ is a blanket term for a legal practitioner. Both solicitors and barristers are referred to as lawyers.
Understanding The Role of A Solicitor.
If you engage Cornish Lawyers Pty Ltd to assist you, a skilled family lawyer, wills and estate lawyer or property lawyer, based in Geelong will assist you. We will do everything possible to resolve your matter at the earliest opportunity and at the lowest cost. We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable, empathetic and local. If you are looking for a property lawyer, wills lawyer or family lawyer based in Geelong, Cornish Lawyers Pty Ltd can help.
Solicitors in the domain of family law and wills and estates:
- Provide comprehensive legal advice, both written and verbal.
- Will prepare correspondence and legal documentation;
- Will maintain direct communication with you for the life of your matter. In family law and wills and estates, having the benefit of continuity of service is particularly important.
- Function as advocates and representatives for clients, ensuring their best interests are safeguarded throughout legal proceedings.
Barrister.
Barristers primarily perform in-court advocacy. In the event that your family law matter or wills and estate matter requires a complex appearance at court, we will engage a barrister to appear on your behalf.
Barristers’ responsibilities include:
- Court room advocacy including leading evidence in chief and cross examination
- Preparation of written submissions for interim defended hearings and trials.
Solicitors engage (or brief) barristers to either represent clients in court proceedings or offer expert insights onto specific legal issues.
Cornish lawyers – Geelong lawyers, here to help.
With a focus on family law, estate planning, child support, and more, our family lawyers in Geelong are here to guide you through every legal challenge. With offices in Geelong, Torquay, and Hoppers Crossing, accessing our services has never been easier.
Opt for virtual consultations via Zoom for personalised legal support from the comfort of your home. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and let our seasoned team lead you through your legal journey.