This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

The notion that barristers are 'above' solicitors

Reply 40

Top barristers earn more than 'a' solicitor and a likely somewhat less than the 'top' solicitors.

Incidentally, holy ****! (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/6543223.stm)

at least he'l be able to afford to remove that awful wart on his face now

Reply 41

chalks

14

Original post by Lord-Voldemort

Solicitor-Advocates have had a sizeable impact, or will have a sizeable impact, on the criminal bar, no?

That may be right - I don't know. My comments were more directed to the civil/commercial bar where I have failed to see a substantial impact of solicitor-advocates on the viability and success of that branch of the profession.

Reply 42

philistine

14

What if you're an exceedingly tall solicitor?

Reply 43

chalks

14

Original post by Wildman

why do you have such lowly views of nurses? snob.

Barristers are the senior branch of the legal profession and are experts who work in the highest courts. Solicitors do preparatory and transactional work and are typically less specialist and/or knowledgable - asking counsel for the opinions on legal matters and the like.

Barristers are paid to know how things will turn out in court. Solicitors focus on day to day business considerations (and photocopying).

No. They are specialists within the profession. They deliver a particular service required by clients - namely the provision of advocacy. That requires certain skills and experience. The fact that barristers are able to do that exceptionally well (generally) does not make them more "senior" - it means that they are more specialised and experienced in that area of legal service delivery.

Equally, the fact that those at the Bar are (again, generally) more highly knowledgable of the black letter of the law does not make them more "senior". It means that they have a particular skillset which is valuable in certain circumstances.

Is a partner at A&O who is a specialist in asset finance less "senior" than a barrister simply because he lacks advocacy skills or isn't an expert on the latest caselaw on a particular area of the law?

As for litigation, if you think that a solicitor's role is no more than "preparatory" then you are mistaken.

You're spot on in relation to the photocopying though...

Reply 44

CrumpetNipple4MN

I am a partner in a Bronze Medallion law firm and I am seriously disturbed by some of the comments made here. I wouldn't hire any of you to do my photocopying.

Reply 45

Far too Fussy

Hello Does anyone here know Jodie or Shirley from Mumsnet? They will know whether a solicitor or a barrister is better.

Reply 46

the bear

20

Original post by RobertWhite

Probably because becoming a barrister is harder and they typically earn more money. It's probably a bit like doctors and nurses - yet both are vital and neither can work without the other. I think you'll find this is pretty much the case with every profession.

or perhaps Gravediggers and Undertakers...

Reply 47

Jodie from Mumsnet

Did someone call me? I have some experience of dealing with lawyers (both barristers and solicitors) and quite honestly they are really rather childish. When my DC grows up I would much rather he became a dentist or vet.

Reply 48

maminushka

5

Jodie, you are right but make sure you let your child choose their future profession freely because pushy parents aren't very helpful parents.

Reply 49

CrumpetNipple4MN

What kind of child is prepared to make the correct decisions about his career prospects? Do 18 year olds really have a clue? From the looks of this thread, I would say no.

Reply 50

Jodie from Mumsnet

Original post by CrumpetNipple4MN

What kind of child is prepared to make the correct decisions about his career prospects? Do 18 year olds really have a clue? From the looks of this thread, I would say no.

Quite so Nipple. That's why I will make all the decisions for my DC until he is at least 28.

Reply 51

CrumpetNipple4MN

Thank God you have a son. I hope you don't have a daughter. I am ashamed to say the legal profession preys on attractive young women who come to the office wearing tight skirts and blouses straining at the buttons. They think they are in control of their sexuality but sadly how little they know.

Reply 52

Blazara

17

Some weird trolling going on in this thread...

Reply 53

UnderPost

10

I think that Barristers as we now see it is becoming a dying career. Solicitor-Advocates essentially have the same rights as Barristers. In the US, there is no 'barristers' - if you are a lawyer and pass the bar exam- you can be heard in court.

So I question whether in X years, will there be a split between Barristers/Solicitors instead will everyone train as lawyers... and then take the Bar exam if they want.

All in all they are quite different jobs. Barristers is seen as the most glamorous as you get to put a nice wig on and perform to an audience. However at the start it can be difficult for barristers as you have no fixed income coming in. On the other hand, the freedom is terrific. But again, I think Solicitor-Advocates have damaged the prestige of being a Barrister.

Reply 54

maminushka

5

Original post by CrumpetNipple4MN

What kind of child is prepared to make the correct decisions about his career prospects? Do 18 year olds really have a clue? From the looks of this thread, I would say no.

Being mature or middle aged does not guarantee you will make "the correct decisions" all the time. An average 18 year old should know what direction they want to take. Parents may advise them but the final decision should always be made by the "child."
I wonder what kind of environment these "aspiring richies" have been living in to give them such a blare vision of that having lots of money is the most important thing in the whole world. I guess some people just get ...... out of having too much money.

Reply 55

maghreblover

1

Original post by CrumpetNipple4MN

I am a partner in a Bronze Medallion law firm and I am seriously disturbed by some of the comments made here. I wouldn't hire any of you to do my photocopying.

Original post by Far too Fussy

Hello Does anyone here know Jodie or Shirley from Mumsnet? They will know whether a solicitor or a barrister is better.

Original post by Jodie from Mumsnet

Did someone call me? I have some experience of dealing with lawyers (both barristers and solicitors) and quite honestly they are really rather childish. When my DC grows up I would much rather he became a dentist or vet.

Original post by maminushka

Jodie, you are right but make sure you let your child choose their future profession freely because pushy parents aren't very helpful parents.

Heh

You people need to stay on ROF and leave other boards alone! :p:

Reply 56

CrumpetNipple4MN

How dare you reject my insightful and dedicated advice. I had to put two units in Departmental - Non Chargeable to come here and help you lot out.

Reply 57

maghreblover

1

Original post by CrumpetNipple4MN

How dare you reject my insightful and dedicated advice. I had to put two units in Departmental - Non Chargeable to come here and help you lot out.

At your bronze medallion firm that must count for a whole lot, m7!!! Maybe don't take out any more time to help or it might hurt the firm's PEP :wink:

Reply 58

jacketpotato

20

Original post by UnderPost

I think that Barristers as we now see it is becoming a dying career. Solicitor-Advocates essentially have the same rights as Barristers. In the US, there is no 'barristers' - if you are a lawyer and pass the bar exam- you can be heard in court.

So I question whether in X years, will there be a split between Barristers/Solicitors instead will everyone train as lawyers... and then take the Bar exam if they want.

The divide in the US is not quite as big, but there is still a divide. Many firms hold themselves out as being trial lawyers rather than general litigators.

Interestingly, the big US litigation firms have developed separate and specialisied appellate practices which deal with appeals from the lower court. This division doesn't really exist in the UK.

I don't think we will see the death of barristers, at least in the context of high-value disputes. In commercial law firms, junior litigation solicitors are unlikely to get any advocacy experience whatsoever. It is unrealistic to expect their advocacy to be equal to junior barristers who are on their feet all the time. Similarly, the junior barrister is unlikely to have the same tactical nous as the solicitor.

Reply 59

LegalEagle12

Legal Cheek have picked this up - and done their own barrister/solicitor rankings: http://www.legalcheek.com/2012/06/are-barristers-the-doctors-of-the-legal-profession-and-solicitors-the-nurses/

The notion that barristers are 'above' solicitors

Related discussions

Articles for you