What is a Solicitor and Their Role?
A solicitor, also known as a lawyer or legal practitioner, is usually the first point of contact for a person seeking legal advice and assistance.
Some common tasks undertaken by lawyers include:
- Drafting documents including wills, contracts and conveyancing
- Legal advice – business
- Resolving legal disputes
- Advising clients facing criminal charges
- Advising clients involved in a lawsuit
Lawyers can gain work in different employment settings, including government, private practice, corporate/inhouse, and community legal centres.
Lawyers are generally required to work long hours. Income varies depending on:
- The nature of the work.
- The ability of the lawyer.
- The seniority of the lawyer.
- Their place of employment.
Fused Legal Profession
Tasmania has a fused legal profession, which means that lawyers, also known as solicitors and legal practitioners, can work as both barristers and solicitors. However lawyers who have undertaken to operate solely as barristers, also known as going to or serving at the bar, are subject to different practice rules. For information on becoming a barrister, visit the Tasmanian Bar website here.