If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “what is a solicitor?”, you’re not alone. Understanding what a solicitor is and what they do is key to navigating the British legal system effectively. And if you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, getting to grips with the role of a solicitor is vital, too.
In this guide, we’ll break down what solicitors are, the work they do, and the different types of solicitor. We’ll also explore typical solicitor salaries for different roles and levels of experience.
What Is A Solicitor?
‘Solicitor’ is a term within the UK legal system for a type of lawyer. Often contrasted with barristers, who represent clients in court, solicitors are usually the first point of contact when individuals or businesses need legal help.
They work across many areas of law, including property, family, employment, and corporate law. They play a crucial role in ensuring their clients’ rights are protected and that all legal processes are followed correctly.
In short, a solicitor is a legal professional qualified to offer advice, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in a range of legal matters. They are the legal experts who help draft contracts, resolve disputes, and manage complex legal transactions with clarity and precision.
There are many different types of solicitor, each with a different focus and function within the legal system. We’ll break down what each of these types of solicitors does in more detail below.
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What Do Solicitors Do?
Solicitors are legal professionals who play a vital role in both private and commercial matters. Their work is diverse and could cover everything from offering legal advice to (sometimes) representing clients in court. Understanding what solicitors do is essential if you’re considering a legal career or need to engage one for personal or business reasons.
| Area of Law | Common Tasks Undertaken by Solicitors |
| Conveyancing | Drafting contracts of sale Conducting property searches Managing Land Registry filings |
| Family Law | Advising on divorce and child custody Drafting consent orders Representing clients in family court |
| Employment Law | Reviewing employment contracts Advising on unfair dismissal or redundancy Handling tribunal claims |
| Corporate Law | Structuring company mergers and acquisitions Drafting shareholder agreements Ensuring regulatory compliance |
| Criminal Law | Advising suspects at police stations Preparing defence cases Representing clients in magistrates’ court |
| Wills & Probate | Drafting wills Advising on inheritance tax Administering estates after death |
| Immigration Law | Preparing visa and asylum applications Representing clients in appeals Advising on residency rights |
| Litigation | Managing civil claims Engaging in settlement negotiations Representing clients in court or ADR proceedings |
Legal Advice and Client Support
One of the primary roles of a solicitor is to provide tailored legal advice to individuals, businesses, charities, and public sector organisations. They analyse legal issues, interpret laws, and advise clients on the best course of action to resolve their situation or achieve their objectives.
They often act as trusted advisors, helping clients navigate the complexities of the law with confidence.
Drafting and Managing Legal Documents
Solicitors are responsible for drafting, reviewing, and managing a wide range of legal documents. These may include:
- Contracts
- Wills and probate documents
- Property deeds
- Court applications
- Employment agreements
- Business incorporation papers
Accuracy is critical, as any mistakes in legal documentation can have serious consequences for the client.
Transactions and Legal Processes
Solicitors handle legal processes and transactions on behalf of clients. For example, in property law, they will oversee the purchase or sale of a home, conducting property searches, liaising with mortgage lenders, and transferring ownership. In commercial law, they may help companies merge, acquire other businesses, or comply with regulatory requirements.
Communication and Liaison
A large part of the role involves acting as a liaison between their client and other parties. This might include negotiating settlements with opposing solicitors, contacting government agencies, or coordinating with expert witnesses.
Strong communication skills are essential, as they must represent their clients’ interests clearly and persuasively.
Representation and Dispute Resolution
Although they traditionally prepare cases for barristers to present in higher courts, some solicitors have rights of audience and can represent clients themselves in both civil and criminal matters.
They sometimes attend hearings in magistrates’ courts, tribunals, and family courts, particularly for less complex cases. In addition to courtroom representation, they also play a key role in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation and arbitration.
Specialised Legal Services
Depending on their field, they may also offer specialist legal services. For instance, a family solicitor may deal with child custody arrangements and divorce settlements, while a corporate solicitor might focus on mergers, acquisitions, or intellectual property protection.
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Types of Solicitor
Solicitors often choose to specialise in a particular area of law. Specialisation enables them to build in-depth knowledge, handle complex cases, and offer expert advice tailored to their clients’ particular needs.
Below are some of the most common types of solicitor roles you might encounter in the UK legal system.
What is an associate solicitor?
An associate solicitor is a qualified lawyer, employed by a law firm, who has moved beyond the junior or newly qualified stage. While not yet a partner, an associate is a mid-to-senior level solicitor with a growing client base and a track record of successful legal work.
Associates are responsible for:
- Managing their own case load
- Supervising trainees and junior solicitors
- Developing client relationships
- Contributing to the firm’s commercial goals
In larger firms, they may be on a clear track to partnership, depending on performance, specialism, and success with business development.
What is a conveyancing solicitor?
A conveyancing solicitor specialises in property transactions, handling the legal aspects of buying, selling, transferring, or remortgaging real estate. This area of law is highly process-driven and time-sensitive, requiring attention to detail and strong communication skills.
Typical duties include:
- Conducting local authority and environmental searches
- Reviewing title deeds and contracts of sale
- Liaising with mortgage lenders, estate agents, and the Land Registry
- Ensuring funds are securely transferred between parties
- Registering new ownership after completion
They work with both residential and commercial clients, ensuring that transactions proceed smoothly and legally.
What is a notary solicitor?
A notary solicitor, or notary public, is a legally appointed officer who verifies and certifies documents for international use. While all notaries in England and Wales must also be qualified solicitors (or have legal training), they must undergo additional training and are regulated separately from other solicitors.
Notaries provide the following services:
- Authenticating documents for overseas use, such as contracts or academic certificates
- Administering oaths and statutory declarations
- Certifying translations and true copies of legal documents
- Preparing and witnessing powers of attorney for foreign jurisdictions
Their services are frequently used in cross-border transactions, immigration applications, and international legal processes.
What is a solicitor advocate?
A solicitor advocate is a solicitor who has obtained Higher Rights of Audience, enabling them to represent clients in the higher courts of England and Wales (such as the Crown Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal).
This role bridges the traditional divide between solicitors and barristers. The benefit for a client is that the same lawyer who has been advising them will represent them in court.
Solicitor advocates are qualified to:
- Conduct full advocacy in complex criminal, civil, or family cases
- Cross-examine witnesses and deliver oral arguments in higher courts
- Prepare legal submissions for both trial and appeal proceedings
- Offer a seamless client experience from initial advice to final judgment
To become a solicitor advocate, one must pass specific advocacy training and assessment, proving their ability to handle courtroom litigation at a high level.
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Solicitor Salaries
Solicitor salaries in the UK vary widely based on experience, area of law, and location. While trainees and newly qualified (NQ) solicitors earn modest starting salaries, experienced practitioners—particularly in corporate law or based in London—can earn six-figure incomes.
This section breaks down the typical salary ranges at different career stages and across various practice areas, helping answer the common question: how much do solicitors earn in the UK?
Trainee Solicitor Salary
Trainees are at the beginning of their legal careers, working under supervision while completing a two-year period of recognised training. During this time, salaries vary significantly depending on the size and location of the firm.
| Location | Typical Trainee Salary Range |
| London (Large Firm) | £35,000 – £50,000 |
| Regional City (e.g. Manchester, Bristol) | £28,000 – £35,000 |
| Small or High Street Firm | £23,000 – £28,000 |
Larger, City-based firms—particularly those in the Magic Circle or US-headquartered firms—tend to offer the highest training salaries, sometimes even including perks such as signing bonuses or funding for legal studies.
Newly Qualified Solicitor Salary
After completing their training contract and passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), trainees become newly qualified solicitors. The jump in pay at this stage is often significant.
| Firm Type | Typical NQ Salary Range |
| High Street / Small Firm | £27,000 – £40,000 |
| Regional Commercial Firm | £40,000 – £60,000 |
| London City Firm | £70,000 – £95,000 |
| Magic Circle Firm (London) | £100,000 – £120,000+ |
| US Firm (London) | £130,000 – £150,000+ |
Magic Circle and US firms offer some of the highest NQ salaries in the legal industry globally. However, this often comes with demanding workloads and long hours.
Corporate Solicitor Salary
Corporate solicitors, especially those advising multinational companies, banks, or institutional clients, tend to earn among the highest salaries in the profession. Salaries rise rapidly with experience and business development success.
| Post-Qualified Experience (PQE) | Typical Corporate Salary |
| 1–3 years PQE | £70,000 – £100,000 |
| 4–6 years PQE | £100,000 – £150,000 |
| Senior Associate / Partner | £150,000 – £300,000+ |
In addition to base salaries, they may receive bonuses based on billable hours or deal performance, particularly in private equity or mergers and acquisitions (M&A) practice areas.
Solicitor Salary in London
London continues to offer the highest solicitor salaries in the UK due to the concentration of global law firms and major financial institutions. London-based solicitors can expect significantly higher pay than regional counterparts.
| Role / Firm Type | Typical Salary in London |
| Trainee Solicitor | £35,000 – £50,000 |
| NQ Solicitor (City Firm) | £80,000 – £120,000+ |
| Mid-Level Associate | £120,000 – £170,000 |
| Partner | £200,000 – £1M+ |
Top-earning partners at Magic Circle or US firms in London can earn well over £1 million annually, particularly those with equity stakes in their firms.
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FAQs
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides advice, prepares legal documents, and may represent clients in lower courts. In contrast, a barrister usually specialises in courtroom advocacy and presents cases in higher courts. Solicitors tend to have more direct and ongoing contact with clients, handling everything from initial consultations to contract drafting and legal negotiations. Barristers are typically instructed by solicitors to provide specialist legal opinions or court representation.
To become a solicitor in England and Wales, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a law degree or complete a law conversion course (e.g. PGDL) if your undergraduate degree is in a different subject.
- Pass both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
- Complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) with a law firm or legal organisation.
- Meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements.
Understanding what a solicitor is includes knowing the route to qualification, which has recently changed under the new SQE system introduced to streamline access to the profession.
Solicitors can specialise in nearly every area of law, depending on their interests and career goals. Common specialisms include:
- Property and conveyancing
- Family law
- Criminal defence
- Corporate and commercial law
- Employment law
- Immigration law
- Wills, trusts and probate
Specialising allows them to build niche expertise, increasing their value to clients and boosting career progression.
Yes, they can represent clients in lower courts, such as magistrates’ courts or family courts. For representation in higher courts (e.g. Crown Court or High Court), they must obtain Higher Rights of Audience, becoming what is known as a solicitor advocate. Many clients appreciate working with solicitor advocates as it provides continuity from initial advice through to court proceedings.fa
Not every legal matter requires a solicitor, but many do benefit from professional legal support. Situations involving significant financial transactions, complex contracts, disputes, or court appearances almost always require a solicitor’s involvement. Knowing what a solicitor is and when to use one ensures your legal rights are protected and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Fees vary depending on experience, firm size, and the nature of the work. Common pricing structures include:
- Hourly rates: Often used for ongoing advisory work or litigation.
- Fixed fees: Common for conveyancing, wills, or probate services.
- Contingency fees: Used in ‘no win, no fee’ cases, such as personal injury claims.
In London or at large firms, rates tend to be higher due to overheads and the complexity of work.