The main difference between a barrister and a solicitor in the UK is that solicitors typically provide legal advice and manage cases, while barristers focus on advocacy and represent clients in court. Both roles require different training routes and qualifications in England and Wales. We’ve put together some information on the roles to help you decide which would suit you.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 7 October 2022. Updated 02 March 2026.
What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor in the UK?
A solicitor provides specialist legal advice to clients, who may range from individuals to organisations, and are often the first point of contact. They’ll most likely be employed by a law firm, work ‘in house’ for a company or work within government or the court service. Their work can cover a range of legal practice areas, from criminal or family law to corporate and commercial law. The majority of a solicitor’s work will take place outside of court, although there may be times when they are required to attend.
A barrister represents their clients in court and is often called upon to provide specialist advice in the legal practice area they specialise in. Unlike solicitors, most barristers will be self-employed and work in chambers, and competition for a place can be fierce. However, some barristers may work for government agencies or private organisations. Barristers often use the legal work prepared by solicitors’ to prepare for a trial or hearing. Another important difference is their appearance in court. Barristers will wear gowns and wigs, whereas solicitors will usually only need business attire.
There can be some crossover between the roles. For example, solicitors may be able to represent their clients in court if they are granted ‘rights of audience’. However, barristers can work at much higher levels of court than solicitors such as the Crown Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal.
The training you need to undertake depends on which career you wish to pursue, though both roles will require you to have completed an undergraduate degree. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD). If you have a degree in another subject, or you’re looking to change careers, you could consider a conversion course such as our Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL).
How do I become a barrister?
After completing an undergraduate law degree, or a law conversion course, you will need to complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC). This is often referred to as the vocational stage of your training. Once you have completed the BPC you will need to undertake work-based training known as a pupillage. A pupillage is split into two six-month periods, often known as ‘sixes’. For the first six months you will shadow a barrister, and in the second six you may begin to take on your own work. Once completed you can qualify for the Bar.
For more information on becoming a barrister, visit the Bar Standards Board website, as they’re the organisation responsible for regulating barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales.
How do I become a solicitor?
The first step to becoming a solicitor is to complete a degree. This doesn’t have to be a law degree, you can study any subject you like, however if you do choose to study law you’ll equip yourself with much of the essential knowledge you’ll need throughout your career.
The main route is to study for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE), which consists of two centralised exams, known as SQE1 and SQE2. Along with the SQE you will also need a minimum of two years work experience. Alternatively, if you meet certain eligibility requirements, you could study the Legal Practice Course (LPC). However, it’s important to note that the LPC is being phased out with the SQE becoming the only route to qualification by 2032.
Once you have completed both the SQE and your work experience you can apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as they regulate all solicitors and most law firms in England and Wales. You’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a solicitor on the SRA website.
Who earns more: Barristers or solicitors?
It can be difficult to say whether barristers or solicitors earn more, as there are several factors which can have an impact on a salary. These can include the size and location of a firm, your experience and ability, and the area of law you have chosen to practise.
As a guide, a newly qualified solicitor in a small firm could earn between £25,000 and £60,000 a year, but this can increase significantly over time as you gain more experience.
There is a minimum salary for those undertaking a pupillage set by the Bar Standards Board. The average salary of a barrister, with five years’ experience and based in London, is between £50,000 and £200,000. Again, this can be hugely affected by the factors outlined above.
It’s also worth noting that up to 80% of barristers are self-employed, whereas most solicitors will be in employment. There is a level of financial stability with becoming a solicitor which may not exist in a career as a barrister.
Ultimately, both professions have dedicated training routes, regulatory bodies and career structures, with earnings and working styles varying depending on specialism and location.
Famous solicitors in the UK
Law and politics often go hand in hand and some of our very own alumni worked as solicitors before they made a move into politics.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was a solicitor for 10 years before entering politics, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim to serve in a British cabinet, also started her career as a solicitor after studying her LPC with us and current Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP completed his LPC with us before turning his hand to politics.
Famous barristers in the UK
Baroness Shami Chakrabarti was called to the Bar in 1994 and started as a barrister for the Home Office in 1996. Also an alumna of ours, she is now a member of the House of Lords. Other names you might know are Cherie Blair, employment and public law barrister and Amal Clooney, world-renowned human rights barrister.
Considering a career as a barrister or solicitor? Check out the range of courses we offer and take your first step towards qualifying as a barrister or solicitor.
