JOB PROFILE
What Is a Solicitor?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What a Solicitor is.
- What the responsibilities of a Solicitor are.
- What qualifications a Solicitor needs.
- Average salary of a Solicitor.
- What skills a Solicitor needs.
- Who employs a Solicitor.
- Where the latest Solicitor jobs are and how to apply for them.
What Is a Solicitor?
A Solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides legal support, advice and representation on different areas of the law such as criminal, family and property law.
Working closely with clients they take instruction and advise them on necessary courses of legal action ensuring accuracy of all procedures.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Solicitor?
While working as a Solicitor, you will be required to:
- Conduct meetings with clients.
- Keep up to date with any changes in the law.
- Prepare papers for court.
- Advise clients on the law and legal issues relating to their case.
- Represent clients in court and act on their behalf in disputes.
- Negotiate with other professionals and clients to secure agreed objectives.
- Attend meetings with opposing parties.
- Supervise and provide training to Paralegals, Legal Secretaries and Trainee Solicitors.
- Delegate tasks to members of the team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the law firm's client base.
- Research and interpret complex questions of law.
- Liaise with Barristers when requested depending on the case.
- Drafting and preparing legal documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do Solicitors Need?
To practise as a Solicitor, you will need to have a law degree. This can be achieved through a number of different routes which include a university course, an apprenticeship and working towards the role through on the job training.
All of these routes include passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exams, completing 2 years of qualifying work experience and meeting the character and suitability requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Once you have secured all the necessary qualifications to work as a Solicitor, you will need to be accepted onto the roll of Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and receive a Solicitor Practising Certificate which means you are a fully qualified and certified Solicitor.
What Is the Average Salary of a Solicitor?
The average salary for a Solicitor in the UK is around £50,000 to £90,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and area of law.
However, these figures are just an average, and the salary for a Solicitor can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the size and type of the law firm, the level of experience, and the specific area of law.
For example, Solicitors working in large commercial law firms or in London may earn higher salaries than those working in smaller firms or outside of London.
Additionally, Solicitors who specialise in high-demand areas of law such as corporate law or intellectual property may earn higher salaries than those in other areas of law.
Who Employs a Solicitor?
The majority of Solicitors are employed by private practices who offer legal services to a variety of clients ranging from individuals to businesses.
Other employers include organisations such as Local Authorities, charities, commerce and industry who employ in-house Solicitors to look after their legal needs.
You could also be self-employed and practice as a sole practitioner.
What Skills Does a Solicitor Need?
Key skills of a Solicitor include:
- Time management with the ability to prioritise tasks.
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
- Attention to detail and analytical skills.
- Problem solving.
- Flexible and adaptable, sometimes working to strict deadlines.
- Organised with the ability to multitask.
- Research skills, gathering relevant information for each case.
- Committed to a career in law.
- IT and numeracy skills.
- Commercial awareness.
- Ability to work well as a team and collaborate with colleagues and other partners.
- Self-confidence and resilience.
Legal Insights.
Searching for Your Next Solicitor Job?
If you're searching for your next career opportunity, why not take a look at all the latest Solicitor jobs available now?
We work with hundreds of law firms and private sector organisations throughout the UK so why not get in contact with one of our specialists who can advise on current and upcoming opportunities?
Meet The Legal Team.
Upload CV
If you're searching for your next Solicitor job, why not upload your CV?
Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.