What Does a Solicitor Do? Role, Duties & Career Benefits

What does a solicitor do?

Solicitors provide clients with expert legal advice and represent them in a wide range of matters, including appearances before lower courts and tribunals.

For many individuals, organisations, and businesses, a solicitor is the first point of contact when legal guidance or representation is needed.

Solicitors work closely with barristers, preparing cases and legal documentation for hearings in higher courts. Their role involves understanding each client’s unique situation and offering tailored, practical solutions.

Once qualified, solicitors can choose to specialise in an area of law that aligns with their interests , from family law and medical law to international human rights or commercial practice.

As law influences every aspect of society, there are virtually limitless opportunities to specialise and build a rewarding career.

A Day in the Life of a Solicitor

The day-to-day work of a solicitor depends largely on the type of organisation they work for and the area of practice they specialise in.

Whether in private practice, the public sector, or in-house legal teams, solicitors handle a broad variety of tasks that require analytical thinking, client care, and attention to detail.

A typical day in the life of a solicitor might include:

Drafting and reviewing legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and witness statements
Advising clients on complex legal issues and identifying the best course of action
Attending client meetings and negotiations to reach settlements or clarify legal positions
Researching case law, legislation, and legal precedents to support ongoing matters
Representing clients in court or tribunals, depending on the nature of the case
Undertaking pro bono work, providing free legal assistance to individuals or communities in need

Each day presents new challenges ,from negotiating deals to preparing cases for trial , making the solicitor’s role both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.

Myth

“The SQE is easier than the LPC.”

Facts

The SQE is not easier — it is simply different. It’s competency-based, heavily scenario-focused, and tests practical application of knowledge. Many candidates find SQE1’s multiple-choice format very challenging.

The Benefits of Becoming a Solicitor

Solicitors play an essential role in society, advising clients on matters that affect nearly every aspect of life — from managing businesses and resolving disputes to buying property or planning estates.

This makes the solicitor’s role highly respected and deeply valued within the legal system and beyond.

Some key benefits of becoming a solicitor include:

Financial Rewards

Solicitors enjoy competitive salaries that reflect their expertise and responsibility. According to Prospects.ac.uk, starting salaries for trainee solicitors range from £28,000 to £68,000, depending on firm size and location. With experience and progression, senior solicitors and partners can earn significantly more.

Diverse and Engaging Work

No two days are alike. Solicitors interact with clients from all walks of life and work on cases that are dynamic, challenging, and socially relevant. The variety of work ensures continuous learning and personal growth.

Clear Career Progression

The solicitor career path is well-structured and merit-based. Ambitious individuals can advance from trainee solicitor to associate, and eventually to partner or head of department roles within firms or move into high-level in-house or government positions.

A Meaningful and Rewarding Career

Above all, solicitors make a tangible difference in people’s lives. From helping families through sensitive issues like divorce or wills to guiding businesses through major transactions, solicitors play a crucial role in upholding justice and providing support during life’s most important moments.

Key Takeaway

A career as a solicitor offers an exceptional balance of intellectual challenge, professional respect, and personal fulfilment.

It’s a path that combines financial stability, diverse experiences, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on clients, communities, and society.