C1nounformal10K+

Solicitor

UK /["/səˈlɪsɪtə(r)/"]/US /["/səˈlɪsɪtər/"]/

Definition

a lawyer who prepares legal documents, for example for the sale of land or buildings, advises people on legal matters, and can speak for them in some courts of law

In simple words: A lawyer who gives advice and represents clients in legal matters.

Examples

  • Her first step was to contact a solicitor for advice.
  • I discussed the matter with my instructing solicitor.
  • She is still a practising solicitor at the age of sixty-two.
  • There will be no court duty solicitor today.
  • Bridge joined the firm as a trainee solicitor.
  • Mr Andrew Davis, solicitor for the Jones family, read a statement.

Usage notes

Used mostly in legal contexts. Appropriate in professional settings but may be too formal in casual conversations. In some countries, it refers to a specific type of lawyer.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'solicitor' as someone who 'solicits' legal advice.

Collocations

  • competent
  • good
  • qualified
  • a firm of solicitors

Synonyms

  • lawyer
  • counsel
  • attorney
  • legal representative

Antonyms

  • client

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'solicitor' with 'attorney' - they are not always interchangeable.
  • Using it in informal contexts where a simpler term like 'lawyer' would be better.
  • Misunderstanding the specific job functions of a solicitor compared to other legal professionals.