solicitor
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for solicitor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In the UK and similar legal systems, a lawyer who advises clients and handles legal paperwork, as distinct from a barrister who argues cases in court.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Middle French soliciteur, from solicit plus the agent-suffix -or.
Full origin of solicitor →Frequently asked questions
What does “solicitor” mean?
The word “solicitor” means in the UK and similar legal systems, a lawyer who advises clients and handles legal paperwork, as distinct from a barrister who argues cases in court. In plain terms, a type of lawyer, especially in the UK, who handles legal advice and paperwork rather than arguing in court.
How do you pronounce “solicitor”?
“Solicitor” is pronounced suh-LIH-sih-tuh (/səˈlɪsɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “solicitor” in a sentence?
Here is “solicitor” used in a sentence: “She hired a solicitor to handle the sale of her house.”
What part of speech is “solicitor”?
“Solicitor” is a noun.
Where does the word “solicitor” come from?
The word “solicitor” comes from Middle French. From Middle French soliciteur, from solicit plus the agent-suffix -or.
Is “solicitor” a common word?
“Solicitor” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “solicitor” have?
“Solicitor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the UK and similar legal systems, a lawyer who advises clients and handles legal paperwork, as distinct from a barrister who argues cases in court.
What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister?
In the UK and similar legal systems, a solicitor advises clients and handles legal paperwork, while a barrister specializes in arguing cases in court. Solicitors typically deal directly with clients on day-to-day legal matters, and may instruct a barrister when a case needs to be argued before a judge.
Is "solicitor" used the same way in the US and UK?
No, the meaning differs by country. In the UK, a solicitor is a type of lawyer who advises clients and handles paperwork, while in parts of the United States, "solicitor" refers to the chief legal officer of a city or municipality.
Can a solicitor represent a client in court?
In the UK system, solicitors traditionally handle legal advice and paperwork rather than courtroom advocacy, with barristers typically arguing cases in court. However, in practice some solicitors do gain rights to appear in certain courts, though the barrister remains the specialist in courtroom argument.