Learn English – Difference between “solicitor” and “barrister”

meaning

What is the difference between solicitor and barrister?

Best Answer

Solicitor and barrister have a different meaning, in American and British English.

In British English, they mean:

  • Solicitor: a member of the legal profession qualified to deal with conveyancing, the drawing up of wills, and other legal matters.
  • Barrister: a lawyer entitled to practice as an advocate, particularly in the higher courts.

In American English, they mean:

  • Solicitor: a person who tries to obtain business orders, advertising, etc.; a canvasser; the chief law officer of a city, town, or government department.

Barrister is not used, in American English.

[Reference: the New Oxford American Dictionary.]

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