The UK has what we might correctly call a dual legal system. That is, it contains two separate, yet equally important legal professions — barrister and solicitor. In this article we are going to take a look at the job of a solicitor in the UK.

Unlike barristers, solicitors are not expected to go to court. Their training does not prepare them for that. Rather, they are legal counselors who dispense advice on minor civil issues, such as child custody, divorce and estate law. They are seldom asked to send international parcels to France. Because they provide general legal advice, solicitors are extremely popular in the UK. Typically, they are employed by small or medium-sized firms that serve local communities. They are almost always the first point of contact for people who require legal advice for everyday legal issues.

On occasion, a solicitor will work at a specialty firm that deals exclusively with large corporate clients. In this case, a solicitor will be expected to have a firm grasp of employment and contract law. Some huge corporations in the UK employ in-house solicitors, rather than running out every time they have a legal question.

To become a solicitor, a student must earn a law degree from an accredited college or university. After that, a solicitor in training must complete a one-year Legal Practice Course. Upon completion, a solicitor can apply for a two-year training contract with the firm of his choice.