solicitor

A lawyer qualified to advise clients and conduct legal business, including representing them in courts where permitted. The profession was formally recognised by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1873, and is now regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. In the nineteenth century, aspiring solicitors normally served several years as articled clerks before qualifying. Solicitors commonly instruct barristers in cases requiring specialist advocacy or legal advice, and continue to act as the principal link between barristers and their clients.