Solicitor
A lawyer who provides legal advice, prepares documents, and may represent clients in lower courts. Most legal work in England & Wales is carried out by solicitors.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
The modern qualifying route requires a degree (in any subject), passing both parts of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), completing two years of qualifying work experience, and meeting the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Anyone who started a qualifying law degree, GDL or Legal Practice Course before 2021 can instead continue to qualify through the traditional route until 2032.
A solicitor's day-to-day work includes advising clients on legal matters and courses of action, drafting confidential letters, contracts and legal documents, researching legal records and case law, and instructing barristers or advocates to act for clients in court when specialist advocacy is needed.
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Official sources
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