Author
Home > Education > What is the Difference Between Solicitor and Attorney?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Solicitor and Attorney?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The terms "solicitor" and "attorney" are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in many jurisdictions. Here are the main distinctions between the two:

  • Lawyer: A lawyer is an umbrella term used to describe a person who is a Licensed Legal Practitioner. Lawyers can give legal advice or represent clients in court, including solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives.
  • Solicitor: A solicitor is a qualified person who represents and advises clients, can advocate in court (with the necessary accreditation), and usually specializes in a certain area of law. Solicitors provide legal support, advice, and representation in various matters such as criminal law, business law, family law, and property law. They deal with the paperwork and communications involved with the client's case and ensure the accuracy of all procedures. Solicitors can represent a client in court, but more often they will turn to a barrister to represent their client in court.
  • Attorney: In the United States, the term "attorney" is a general term for a lawyer who has the power to represent another person. The term "attorney" is not common in Australia, where "lawyer" or "solicitor" is more widely used.

In summary, a solicitor is a type of lawyer who specializes in providing legal support, advice, and representation in various legal matters. An attorney, on the other hand, is a lawyer with the power to represent another person, primarily used in the United States.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Solicitor and Attorney?
  • Comparative Table: Solicitor vs Attorney

    • Comparative Table: Solicitor vs Attorney

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between a solicitor and an attorney:

    Feature Solicitor Attorney
    Definition A solicitor is a qualified person who represents and advises clients, usually specializing in a certain area of law. An attorney is someone learned in the law, licensed to practice law, and represents clients in court.
    Region(s) The term "solicitor" is mainly used in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and some parts of the US. The term "attorney" is more common in the US, Canada, and France.
    Practice Solicitors handle legal matters and paperwork outside of court, such as contracts, documents, and letters. They can also appear in lower court hearings but often instruct a barrister to represent the client instead. Attorneys are qualified to prosecute and defend clients in court. They are also called upon to give legal advice in relation to any cause or matter.
    Qualifications Solicitors graduate from law school and may have additional accreditation to advocate in court. Attorneys also graduate from law school and are licensed by the state bar to practice law and represent clients.
    Specialization Solicitors can specialize in various areas of law, such as family law, criminal law, and personal injury law. Attorneys can also specialize in various areas of law, but they have the added responsibility of representing clients in court.

    Please note that the terms "lawyer," "solicitor," and "attorney" are often used interchangeably, and their meanings may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.