Solicitor Salary

A solicitor is a legal adviser in the United Kingdom. This role differs from that of an American lawyer only in the fact that solicitors do not conduct court proceedings. They provide advice and support to their clients by completing paperwork and documentation for court cases, research common and statutory law to prepare case briefs, and submit applications to the appropriate courts. Their duties also include negotiating on behalf of their clients and managing financial records. A solicitor will also review judgments for any grounds for appeal. The type of work a solicitor will do also depends on the type of firm he or she works for. There are two main types of solicitors. A commercial solicitor focuses on all matters relating to business and providing legal advice for companies. A non-commercial solicitor focuses on all issues not related to business. All solicitors typically work a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday, but this is extended to 12-hour days during busy seasons. Most of a solicitor's work is done in the office, with an occasional trip to the courtroom. For someone considering this field, he or she should understand that solicitors have a very demanding role and must complete ongoing education. Potential solicitors can graduate from any discipline, but if they do not get a degree in law, they need to obtain a graduate diploma in law or other common professional credential, which usually takes a year. The legal practice course must also be completed, and this also takes a year. A two-year training period with a legal firm is necessary, as well. During this training period, a solicitor will work in four different areas of law and complete a professional skills course. The Law Society of England and Wales requires solicitors to complete at least 16 hours of professional development courses every year.