What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?

• Solicitors are highly trained professionals who look after your interests and can guide you through difficult circumstances.
  • They normally represent their clients in the lower courts and tribunals.
• Barristers on the other hand are legal practitioners who specialise in court advocacy (client representation) and the preparation of specialist legal advice.
  • While barristers do not prepare documents such as contracts and wills they sometimes advise on them.
  • You cannot usually retain a barrister directly.  The normal practice is to go through a solicitor.