Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help..
Assumption: "A solicitor and a barrister are the same thing."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Many people use the words 'solicitor' and 'barrister' interchangeably, assuming they are just two names for the same job. This leads to confusion about who is actually representing them, who will speak for them in court, and what they are paying for.
Court Reality
A solicitor and a barrister are two different roles. A solicitor manages your case day to day: they give you advice, prepare your documents, handle correspondence, and negotiate with the other side. A barrister is a specialist advocate who presents your case in court, argues before the judge, and cross-examines witnesses. Usually your solicitor instructs a barrister for you if your case reaches a hearing. You can also instruct some barristers directly through Public Access. If you are a litigant in person, you may have neither, but a McKenzie Friend can help you with preparation and sit beside you in court.
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Bridge The Gap
One manages your case, the other speaks in court. Knowing the difference matters.
A solicitor and a barrister are the same thing.
Reality
A solicitor and a barrister are two different roles. A solicitor manages your case day to day: they give you advice, prepare your documents, handle correspondence, and negotiate with the other side.
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