What Does a Solicitor Do UK

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. Find out what a solicitor does day to day.

Solicitors play a central role in the UK legal system. They are qualified legal professionals who provide advice, handle legal paperwork, represent clients, and help individuals and businesses navigate complex laws and regulations. From writing contracts to resolving disputes, their work touches almost every part of daily life.

This article explains what solicitors do, the areas they specialise in, and why their role is essential for both individuals and organisations.

The Core Role of a Solicitor

At its heart, a solicitor’s job is to give legal advice and act in the best interests of their clients. They work directly with individuals, families, businesses, and public bodies to ensure that legal matters are handled correctly and fairly.

Solicitors help clients understand the law, their rights, and their options. They draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and often act as the first point of contact when someone needs professional legal support.

While many solicitors spend their time in offices preparing documents and advising clients, others also represent clients in court, particularly in the lower courts such as Magistrates’ or County Courts.

Key Responsibilities of a Solicitor

The day-to-day duties of a solicitor vary depending on their area of practice, but common responsibilities include:

• Meeting clients to discuss their legal issues and gather information.

• Researching relevant laws, regulations, and previous cases.

• Drafting and reviewing legal documents such as contracts, wills, and agreements.

• Negotiating settlements between parties in disputes.

• Preparing cases for court and representing clients in certain hearings.

• Liaising with barristers, courts, and other professionals on a client’s behalf.

• Ensuring all legal processes are compliant and deadlines are met.

Every task they undertake is guided by their duty to act with honesty, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Areas of Law Solicitors Work In

Solicitors can specialise in many different fields depending on their interests and experience. Some of the most common areas include:

Family Law

Covers issues such as divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Family solicitors often help clients through highly emotional situations, offering both legal and practical support.

Property Law

Focuses on buying, selling, and leasing property. Conveyancing solicitors ensure transactions are legal, smooth, and properly recorded.

Employment Law

Advises both employers and employees on contracts, workplace disputes, dismissals, and discrimination claims.

Criminal Law

Defends individuals accused of crimes or represents victims. Criminal solicitors often work closely with barristers in court proceedings.

Corporate and Commercial Law

Supports businesses with contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance. These solicitors help companies operate within the law and avoid disputes.

Wills and Probate

Helps clients plan their estates, write wills, and manage the distribution of assets after someone’s death.

Personal Injury Law

Assists people who have been injured due to accidents or negligence in making compensation claims.

Each area requires different skills and levels of sensitivity, but all demand precision, empathy, and a strong understanding of legal principles.

Solicitors vs Barristers

In the UK, both solicitors and barristers are qualified lawyers, but their roles are distinct. Solicitors are typically the first point of contact for clients, providing advice and handling case preparation. Barristers, on the other hand, are usually brought in by solicitors to provide specialist advocacy in higher courts.

In recent years, some solicitors have obtained higher rights of audience, allowing them to represent clients in higher courts without instructing a barrister. This has made the distinction between the two professions more flexible.

How Solicitors Train and Qualify

Becoming a solicitor involves a combination of academic study, professional training, and practical experience. Traditionally, this process includes:

1. Completing a law degree or a conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

2. Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which assesses both legal knowledge and practical skills.

3. Gaining two years of qualifying work experience, usually through a training contract or equivalent placements.

Once qualified, solicitors must continue professional development throughout their careers to maintain their practising certificate and stay updated with legal changes.

The Importance of Solicitors in Everyday Life

Solicitors make the law accessible to everyone. Whether you are buying a home, writing a will, resolving a workplace issue, or dealing with a family dispute, they ensure your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

They help people avoid costly mistakes, manage risk, and find fair solutions. For businesses, solicitors provide crucial guidance on compliance, contracts, and employment matters, helping them operate legally and efficiently.

Their work also contributes to the fairness of society as a whole. By advising clients responsibly and upholding ethical standards, solicitors ensure that justice remains consistent and accessible.

Common Misconceptions About Solicitors

Many people believe solicitors only go to court or work on large cases, but in reality, much of their work involves negotiation, documentation, and prevention. Most legal issues never reach court because solicitors resolve them through careful planning or mediation.

Another misconception is that solicitors only serve the wealthy. In fact, many provide affordable services, legal aid, or fixed-fee options to ensure everyone has access to legal support.

The Evolving Role of Solicitors

The legal profession is changing as technology transforms how clients access information and services. Many firms now use digital tools to manage cases, communicate with clients, and even provide virtual consultations.

Online visibility has also become vital, with clients often choosing a solicitor based on search results, reviews, and online content. As a result, digital marketing, SEO, and content strategy play a growing role in how solicitors attract and retain clients.

Despite these changes, the core of the profession remains the same: providing expert legal advice with professionalism, accuracy, and care.

Expert Advice from Lillian Purge

1. Be client-focused. The most successful solicitors combine expertise with empathy and communication.

2. Stay visible. A strong online presence helps clients find and trust your firm.

3. Keep learning. Continuous training ensures your legal knowledge stays current.

4. Adapt to change. Embrace digital tools and evolving client expectations.

5. Maintain integrity. Ethical standards and professionalism are the foundation of long-term success.

Solicitors play a vital role in upholding the legal system, supporting individuals, and guiding businesses. Their expertise ensures fairness, clarity, and confidence in every aspect of law—from simple transactions to life-changing decisions.

Also read what is a solicitor and what is a consultant solicitor. Further topics are on our Solicitors Hub.