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Barristers and Solicitors

  • 31-10-2008 12:02am
    #1
    dakaiser
    Closed Accounts Posts: 44 ✭


    Hi,

    Please excuse the ignorance but,

    I was just wondering, what are the differences between the two?

    Is it just a matter of cost ( you get what you pay for ) or does it depend on the situation?

    Or is it just better to hire a barrister, if you can afford it?

    Just curious, thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Steve
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,584 ✭✭✭✭Steve


    I'm open to correction but my take on it is: (I'm not a legal professional)

    You (the punter) hire a solicitor to handle your case and instruct them on how you wish to proceed based on their legal advice.
    They handle the legal side of it and file any necessary documents with the courts etc. - they basically construct your case.

    If a court appearance is necessary and your solicitor deems it prudent, they will hire a barrister to advise them and / or act for them in court.
    Barristers are the guys who are familiar with courtroom procedures and technicalities and know how to present a case and know in detail a lot of courtroom stuff that solicitors don't get involved with - they don't do any of the background legal work though.

    Not all cases require the services of a barrister.

    To sum up, OP, If you have a legal problem, go to a solicitor and they will decide if the case needs a barrister to be involved.


  • #3
    McCrack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,991 ✭✭✭McCrack


    I use the anology of GP (solicitor) and consultant (barrister)...if you have a medical problem you must first attend a GP who will refer you to a consultant if necessary, that's not to say a barrister is more knowledgable in the law than a solicitor it's just the way the profession is spilt.

    Barristers are always self-employed and cant take instruction directly from joe public, they are 'briefed' by a solicitor.


  • #4
    servicecharge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 124 ✭✭servicecharge


    The first answer is pretty much spot on.

    Using the medical idea it maybe more apt to say Doctors and Surgeons.

    The Solicitor will make the initial diagnosis and attempt to treat the problem without recourse to the court. If that doesn't work and serious court work is required then a barrister will be engaged just like a surgeon to do a specific operation.

    In a lot of situations a barrister is never required but you always need a solicitor.


  • #5
    johnnyskeleton
    Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 14,549 Mod ✭✭✭✭johnnyskeleton


    dakaiser wrote: »
    I was just wondering, what are the differences between the two?

    Barristers drink more and get paid less.


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