A solicitor is a legally qualified professional who gives advice and drafts documents. They also handle legal matters for people and businesses in the UK. They certify documents too. Read on to see what they do and what they charge.
Did you know? The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reports that the number of practising solicitors in England and Wales has reached 181,481.
Yet plenty of people still wonder, what is a solicitor? At Legalisation4You, we hear that question almost every week. Buying a home? Writing a will? Posting a passport copy overseas? A solicitor can step in. Let’s keep it simple and walk through it together.
Key Takeaways
- A solicitor is a qualified, regulated lawyer who offers consultation to clients, drafts documents, and can act for them in many ways.
- Solicitors qualify via the SQE, undertake two years of legal work, and comply with the SRA standards.
- Solicitors provide property, family, and business law advice and document certification for clients on an everyday basis.
- While a solicitor is a lawyer, a barrister’s prime role is advocacy and expert opinion.
- Costs for certification are variable, so ask for a fixed quote for the apostille and return postage.
Solicitor Meaning: Who They Are and How They Qualify
A solicitor is a trained legal professional. They provide advice, prepare documents and represent you in many legal transactions. In England and Wales, they are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
To qualify, someone needs a degree in any subject. Then they pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). After that, they complete two years of qualifying legal work. They must also meet the SRA’s character and suitability rules.
Every practising solicitor holds a practising certificate. Firms must carry professional indemnity insurance too. That gives you real protection if things go wrong.
Legal Professional Privilege and Client Confidentiality
What you tell a solicitor stays private. The law calls this legal professional privilege. So you can share the full story without worry.
What Does a Solicitor Do? Core Duties Explained
So, what does a solicitor do day to day? It depends on their specialism. Still, most solicitors handle these tasks:
- Give legal guidance: They will help you understand your rights, the risks and options in plain language.
- Drafting: They draft documents such as contracts, wills, powers of attorney and leases.
- Haggle: They manage to resolve issues before having anyone enter a courtroom.
- Represent clients: They advocate for clients in front of tribunals and lower courts.
- Certify documents: They confirm that the copy is an exact replica of the original.
- Manage transactions: They deal with the buying and selling of houses and the company’s transactions.
Think of a solicitor as your legal project manager. They keep each step moving while you get on with your life, and they take care of the paperwork.
The Role of a Solicitor Across Different Areas of Law
What is the role of a solicitor in real life? It depends on the field. Here are the three most common areas.
Property and Conveyancing Solicitor Services
Conveyancing solicitors handle the legal side of buying or selling a home. They check contracts, run searches, and move funds safely.
Family Law and Wills Solicitor Support
Family solicitors guide you through divorce, child arrangements, and wills. They stay calm when emotions run high.
Business and Employment Legal Advice
Commercial solicitors draft contracts and advise on company law. They also help settle staff disputes before costs spiral.
Lawyer or Solicitor: Spotting the Real Difference
Plenty of people search for a lawyer or solicitor because the two terms overlap. “Lawyer” is a broad word. It covers solicitors, barristers, and legal executives. “Solicitor” is a specific job title.
| Feature | Solicitor | Barrister |
| Client contact | Works directly with clients | Often instructed through a solicitor |
| Main work | Advice, drafting, negotiation | Advocacy and expert opinion |
| Court work | Lower courts, plus higher courts with extra rights | Specialises in higher courts |
| Regulator | SRA | Bar Standards Board |
So, every solicitor is a lawyer. Not every lawyer is a solicitor.
Solicitor Document Certification and What It Costs
Sending papers abroad? Many countries want proof that your copy is genuine. A solicitor checks your original first. Then they compare it with the copy. Finally, they sign, date, and stamp the copy with their details.
This step often comes before an FCDO apostille. Passports, degree certificates, and ID copies are common examples. A specialist solicitor certification service can manage the whole route for you.
How Much Do Solicitors Charge to Certify Documents?
Many people wonder, how much do solicitors charge to certify documents? It varies. High street firms set their own fee per document. Online services often publish clear prices, and some start from around £20 per document.
Fees go up with urgency, document type, and apostille needs. Always ask for a fixed quote first. Check that the price covers return postage too.
Don’t gamble with rejected paperwork. Get a clear, fixed quote today and protect your deadline.
When Should You Hire a Solicitor?
Hire a solicitor when the stakes feel high. Here are the classic moments:
- You are buying or selling a property.
- You need a will or a power of attorney.
- You face a dispute at work or with a landlord.
- You need certified copies for visas, jobs, or study abroad.
- You are starting or buying a business.
Not sure yet? Ask for a short first call. Some firms offer a quick chat before you commit.
Get Your Documents Certified and Speak to the Experts Today!
A good lawyer or solicitor saves you time, money, and stress. Pick a regulated professional. Ask clear questions about fees. Need certified copies to use abroad? Legalisation4You checks your route first. Then the team arranges solicitor certification and the FCDO apostille. Reach out today and get it right the first time.
FAQs
1. Is a solicitor the same as a lawyer?
Not quite. A solicitor is one kind of lawyer, alongside barristers and legal executives. Solicitors are usually the ones you deal with directly, and they handle most of the legal paperwork.
2. What does a solicitor do day to day?
A lot of it is advising clients, drawing up contracts and wills, negotiating settlements, and handling property sales and purchases. Some also certify documents or speak for clients at tribunals and lower courts.
3. Do solicitors go to court?
Some do. It’s common for solicitors to appear in lower courts and tribunals. Those with higher rights of audience, known as solicitor-advocates, can argue cases in the higher courts too.
4. How much does a solicitor cost?
It varies depending on the case, where you are, and the firm. Some bill by the hour, while others offer a fixed fee. Whichever you go with, get a written quote before any work begins.
5. Can a solicitor certify a copy of my passport?
Yes. They’ll look at your original passport, check the copy against it, then sign, date, and stamp the copy. In some cases, another country may also want an apostille added afterwards.
