A solicitor is one of the popular pathways in legal careers. Find out below what it takes to become a solicitor before making decisions to join the career. You may be considering a legal career but not yet sure which legal pathway to follow, this guide seeks to explain and explore the roles of a solicitor so that you know what it entails to become a solicitor.
Who is a solicitor?
A solicitor is a legal professional responsible for documentation, briefing clients, and representing their legal interests in a court of law. He is tasked with providing legal advice in various legal areas and on some occasions acting on behalf of clients such as individuals, businesses, and national/international organizations.
Roles of a solicitor
There are two major roles played by a solicitor; contentious and non-contentious legal work. Contentious or litigious legal work involves dispute resolution between parties in a tribunal or court or using alternative dispute resolution i.e arbitration/mediation.
The other role is non-contentious duties where the solicitor deals with directly providing legal services such as selling or buying of a property, and other business needs that require legal advice from a solicitor. Other non-contentious roles of a solicitor include company mergers, the build and design of real estate properties, and more.
Day to day overview of a solicitors roles
Solicitors are a busy lot, on a normal working day, you will meet a solicitor attending meetings on behalf of their clients or with their clients. Secondly, you will find a solicitor drafting legal and binding documents as well as negotiating contracts.
Fundamentally, solicitors advise clients about the property and provide legal assistance. It is common to find a solicitor interviewing clients. Lastly, solicitors help interpret complex points to clients and speak to courts on behalf of clients.
Where do solicitors get employment?
There are two main employment areas for a solicitor namely, law firm and in-house employment form. Most legal practitioners start their legal careers at a law firm. It involves working in a law firm specializing in one of the many areas of the law. In-house solicitors practice law in a commercial setting.
Most large organizations hire in-house solicitors to represent their interests while under a contract or permanent employment. It is common knowledge that the majority of solicitors start their career in a law firm and gradually move on to in-house employment after gaining vast experience.
There are vast legal areas for solicitors to choose from including; corporate law, criminal law, intellectual property law, employment law, and others, as there are many legal areas for a solicitor to choose a career from and it pays well.
Remuneration standards of a solicitor
Salaries vary depending on the practice area, law firm or in-house employment, location, and level of experience. Trainee salaries are approximately 19 thousand pounds per annum for those who work in law firms. In-house solicitors earn more handsomely compared to solicitors in the legal business.
They range from an average income earner of between 19 and 43 thousand per annum, salaries, and remuneration of these legal practitioners might be higher depending on the city. There are regulatory bodies that govern legal and non-legal professionals. When firms and legal professionals breach their principles, they face the wrath and disciplinary measures taken against them.
Contact Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors Mackay if you need the services of a solicitor.