Barrister, Solicitor, or Lawyer: Which Do You Need?
Not sure whether you need a barrister, solicitor, or legal executive? This guide explains each role, when each is appropriate, and how to check credentials before instructing anyone.
Barrister, Solicitor, or Lawyer: Which Do You Need?
When you are facing a legal problem for the first time, the terminology can stop you in your tracks. Lawyer, solicitor, barrister, legal executive: these words are used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they mean different things in practice.
"Lawyer" is Not a Protected Title
In England and Wales, anyone can call themselves a lawyer. The word has no specific legal meaning. The regulated titles are solicitor, barrister, and Chartered Legal Executive.
What is a Solicitor?
A solicitor is a qualified, regulated legal professional who manages legal matters on behalf of clients. They work from law firms and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A solicitor is usually the right first port of call if you are unsure what kind of legal problem you have.
What is a Barrister?
A barrister is a specialist advocate and legal adviser, regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Since 2004, the Public Access scheme has allowed you to instruct a barrister directly for most privately funded matters.
Checking Credentials
- Solicitors: SRA register at sra.org.uk
- Barristers: BSB register at barstandardsboard.org.uk
- Legal executives: CILEx register at cilex.org.uk
All barristers listed on HireABarrister are BSB-authorised and verified for direct access work before their profiles are published.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.
Need Professional Legal Help?
This guide is for general information only. For advice tailored to your situation, instruct a Direct Access barrister.