SOLICITOR ADVOCATE Meaning and
Definition
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A solicitor advocate is a legal professional who is qualified to represent clients in court as both a solicitor and an advocate. This role combines the skills and responsibilities of both a solicitor and a barrister.
As a solicitor, the individual practices law and provides legal advice to clients on various matters. They handle legal paperwork, carry out research, negotiate on behalf of clients, and communicate with all the parties involved in a case. Solicitors can represent clients in certain courts, such as lower or magistrates courts, for less complex matters.
An advocate, on the other hand, is a lawyer who specializes in courtroom proceedings and represents clients in higher courts, such as the Crown Court or the Supreme Court. They present arguments, examine witnesses, and make submissions to the court on behalf of their clients.
By becoming a solicitor advocate, legal professionals have acquired the necessary qualifications and experience to fulfill both roles. They can act as solicitors and take instructions from clients, as well as appear in court as barristers, providing expert advocacy services for clients in higher courts.
Solicitor advocates undergo additional training and accreditation to acquire the right to appear as advocates in higher courts. This dual qualification provides solicitor advocates with a broader range of legal skills and expertise, allowing them to offer a comprehensive service to their clients, both in and out of the courtroom.
Etymology of SOLICITOR ADVOCATE
The word "solicitor advocate" is derived from two separate terms: "solicitor" and "advocate".
1. Solicitor: The term "solicitor" originated from the Latin word "solicitare", meaning "to disturb" or "to trouble". In medieval England, solicitors referred to individuals who would solicit business on behalf of others, particularly in relation to legal matters. Over time, the role of solicitors evolved to encompass legal advice, preparing legal documents, and representing clients in certain courts.
2. Advocate: The word "advocate" has its roots in the Latin term "advocare", meaning "to call to one's aid" or "to plead for". It referred to individuals who pleaded on behalf of others in courtrooms. In the legal system of Scotland, the term "advocate" specifically applies to a lawyer with rights of audience in the higher courts.
