What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor?

A barrister and solicitor are both legal professionals in the field of law. However, they differ in what services they provide. A barrister’s job is to appear in court on behalf of their clients, and is mainly concerned with highly specialized and in-depth legal advice and litigation. In contrast, a solicitor is an attorney or lawyer who works mainly outside of the court system; they will provide advice, research legal topics, draft documents, and provide other services such as legal representation in informal meetings. In Massachusetts, barristers are specifically trained and allowed to practice in the courts. Solicitors are qualified to practice in Massachusetts, but can only provide legal advice and assistance in an out-of-court capacity. When you hire a lawyer in Massachusetts, it is important to make sure that they are qualified to practice in the court system if you require court representation.

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