Do Solicitors Go to Court UK

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This guide explains if and when solicitors go to court.

Yes, solicitors can and often do go to court, but not all solicitors appear in the same capacity. Traditionally, solicitors handled the preparation and paperwork for a case, while barristers represented clients in court. However, over time, this distinction has become more flexible. Many solicitors now have rights of audience, meaning they can represent clients in certain courts without needing to instruct a barrister.

The extent to which a solicitor appears in court depends on their training, accreditation, and the complexity of the case.

When Solicitors Go to Court

Solicitors typically attend court for various reasons, depending on their area of practice. Some examples include:

• Family law solicitors: May represent clients during divorce proceedings, child custody hearings, or financial settlements in family courts.

• Criminal law solicitors: Often appear in magistrates’ courts for bail hearings, guilty pleas, and sentencing. More serious cases in the Crown Court are usually handled by barristers, but solicitor advocates can also appear.

• Civil and employment solicitors: May attend tribunals or county court hearings to resolve disputes such as contract breaches, workplace claims, or debt recovery.

• Property solicitors: Rarely attend court unless a matter escalates into a dispute, such as boundary issues or landlord-tenant disagreements.

Solicitors generally handle all preparation, document submission, and negotiation before a court appearance becomes necessary. Many cases are resolved through settlements, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution before reaching a courtroom.

Solicitor Advocates and Higher Rights of Audience

Some solicitors choose to gain additional qualifications known as Higher Rights of Audience. These solicitors are referred to as solicitor advocates. They have the same rights as barristers to represent clients in higher courts such as the Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

This qualification allows law firms to provide continuous representation throughout a case, from initial consultation to trial, without needing to bring in a barrister. It can also make the process more efficient and cost-effective for clients.

When Solicitors Do Not Go to Court

Many solicitors specialise in areas of law that rarely require court attendance. Examples include:

• Conveyancing solicitors who manage property transactions.

• Probate solicitors who deal with wills and estates.

• Corporate solicitors who handle business contracts and mergers.

In these areas, solicitors focus on legal drafting, compliance, negotiation, and advice rather than advocacy. Their expertise lies in preventing legal disputes rather than resolving them in court.

The Difference Between Solicitors and Barristers in Court

While solicitors can represent clients in certain courts, barristers traditionally focus on courtroom advocacy. They are specialists in presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and advising on complex points of law.

In many cases, a solicitor will prepare the case, gather evidence, and brief the barrister, who then presents it in court. However, the growing number of solicitor advocates means more solicitors now perform both roles, particularly in smaller firms or where clients prefer continuity of representation.

What Happens When a Case Goes to Court

When a case proceeds to court, the solicitor’s role depends on whether they have rights of audience. If they do, they can appear directly on behalf of their client. If not, they usually work alongside a barrister, attending the hearing to support their client and manage case materials.

In civil or family cases, solicitors often attend procedural hearings, case management conferences, or settlement meetings to negotiate outcomes before a final hearing. In criminal cases, they may attend police interviews, bail hearings, or initial appearances before handing over to a barrister for trial.

Preparing Clients for Court

Whether a solicitor appears in court or not, they play a crucial role in preparing clients for the experience. They explain procedures, review evidence, and ensure clients understand what to expect. Solicitors also help draft witness statements, prepare legal arguments, and gather documents needed for hearings.

Their support extends beyond legal knowledge—they also provide reassurance and guidance during what can be a stressful process.

Advantages of Having a Solicitor Who Can Represent You

Having a solicitor who can appear in court provides continuity, convenience, and often lower costs. Clients don’t have to deal with multiple professionals or repeat their story to a new advocate. A solicitor familiar with the case can argue it effectively because they understand every detail from the beginning.

For straightforward hearings or local matters, solicitors can handle everything without needing to involve a barrister, making the process quicker and more cost-effective.

How to Know If Your Solicitor Can Go to Court

When choosing a solicitor, it’s worth asking whether they have advocacy rights or work with barristers for court representation. Most firms are transparent about this.

If your case involves potential court appearances, selecting a firm with solicitor advocates ensures that your representative can handle every stage, from preparation to presentation.

Final Thoughts

Solicitors do go to court, though how often and in what capacity depends on their area of practice and qualifications. Some handle court advocacy directly, while others work alongside barristers to ensure clients receive the best possible representation.

For clients, the key is choosing a solicitor with the right experience and clarity about how your case will be managed. Whether you need legal advice, document preparation, or full representation, solicitors play a vital role in guiding you through every stage of the legal process.

See related services in do solicitors inform dwp of inheritance and do you need a solicitor for a divorce, or visit our Solicitors Hub.