The Different Types of Solicitors

There are many different solicitors operating in the legal world. Here is a short synopsis of the roles of 10 areas of solicitor practice.

Family / Divorce Solicitors

It is always a good idea to use a divorce solicitor when going through a divorce, to make sure you get what you deserve. If you ex spouse has a solicitor and you don't, you may have a significant disadvantage. This is still the case if you will not be going to court and are trying to come to an agreement with your former partner. Your solicitor will advice you of your rights and double check everything.

A Divorce Lawyer is almost essential if you will be going to court; whether it comes to splitting property, finances or anything else. When it comes to children a solicitors could help you get custody or sufficient visiting rights. They may also help if you should be receiving child maintenance from the other parent.

Commercial solicitors

Commercial, or corporate lawyers, work within the business sphere. They deal with a whole host of areas that a business may be involved in. This could be a dispute between two businesses or a business and another organisation or individual. Any legal documentation, including contracts, will be dealt with.

Employment Solicitors

Employment could also come under a commercial lawyer, or it could be dealt with a specialist. This area of law often refers to disputes between an employer and employee. If someone doesn't believe they are being given their employee rights or are being treated unfairly they may seek an employment solicitor's advice. This may include a claim of unfair dismissal.

A business may also use an employment solicitor when sorting out compensation packages when someone is being made redundant, and to make sure everything is being dealt with in the right way if they are terminating an employee's contract.

Criminal Solicitors

Criminal Solicitors are used by those accused of committing a crime. If contesting the accusation a lawyer will gather evidence to try to prove the innocence of their client. Lawyers are important in giving the accused a fair trial, and making sure someone is not wrongly convicted. Those who admit guilt may still want legal assistance; to try to get the best, or least worst, possible punishment.

The state will also use a criminal solicitor in the case of a court case. Their lawyers' job is to prove that the defendant is guilty.

Wills & Probate Solicitors

Wills and probate is the legal term used for anything involving wills. A lawyer can be consulted when writing a will to make sure things are legally in place so it will be honoured when the person in question dies. Once the person has died a solicitor will be used to make sure the will is executed as the deceased wished. Friends or family of the deceased will used a lawyer if they would like to contest the will.

Property Solicitors

Property, or conveyancing solicitors, are required when someone is wishing to purchase a home or other property. They are necessary to deal with any legal issues involved. Their roles include taking care of stamp duty, looking into land registry issues and reviewing contracts. If a mortgage is being taken out by their client they liaise with the lender to make sure everything is in order. Fees are usually dependant on the price of the property being purchased, and are normally in the region of half a per cent of the properties value.


Intellectual Property Solicitors

Intellectual property refers not to property as in a building, but property as a result of creation. This will include trademarks and copyright. Anything that is created by someone will come under this. If something you have created has been unlawfully used or copied by somebody else then you might consult an intellectual property lawyer.

Tax Solicitors

There are lawyers who specialise in tax disputes. If someone either believes they are paying too much tax or has been accused of avoiding tax, a solicitor can help. Like in criminal law, the state may also use a lawyer, if they believe someone has been withholding tax.

Injury Solicitors

If you have an accident and believe you deserve compensation then an injury solicitor can help. First of all you will be able to seek advice as to whether your case is worth pursuing. If you accident is due to negligence of another party you solicitor will help you receive the necessary compensation. Such examples could be if you have had a slip or fall, an accident in a dangerous area that had not been clearly marked, or an accident in a public building where health and safety rules have been broken.

Immigration Solicitors

Immigration solicitors are used in the case of somebody trying to move into the country from overseas. They can help with any legal issues and paperwork. This could include those seeking asylum, applications to become a citizen, and sorting out work permits.

Source: Types of Solicitors
The Different Types of Solicitors