ENGLISH
REFERENCE

solicitor

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //səˈɫɪsətɝ// UK //səlˈɪsɪtɐ// so·lic·i·tor

n. a lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares documents for people. In the UK and some other countries, you go to them for help with buying a house or writing a will.

n. a legal professional qualified to provide expert advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in lower courts. In the British legal system, this role is distinct from a barrister, who primarily handles advocacy in higher courts.


SIMPLE

I need to see a solicitor about buying a house.

CONTEXTUAL

The family hired a solicitor to handle the legal paperwork for their new business venture.

COMPLEX

While the solicitor managed the initial negotiations and evidence gathering, a barrister was eventually instructed to present the case before the High Court.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French soliciteur. By surface analysis, solicit + -or.

Usage

Commonly used in the UK, Australia, and Ireland; in the US, the term usually refers to a government lawyer or someone selling goods door-to-door.

Pitfall

I asked my solicitor to defend me in the Supreme CourtI asked my barrister to defend me in the Supreme CourtIn the UK legal system, solicitors generally handle out-of-court work, while barristers represent clients in higher courts.

© 2026 English Reference