Do I Need a Solicitor or a Barrister? A Simple UK Guide

By Barrister Link - Fri, Jan 30, 2026 2:03 PM

Do I Need a Solicitor or a Barrister? A Simple UK Guide

If you’re searching “Do I need a solicitor or a barrister?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common legal questions in the UK, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The good news? You don’t need to understand the entire legal system to make the right choice. This guide explains when you need a solicitor, when you need a barrister, and when you might need both.

Quick answer: solicitor or barrister?

In short:

You usually start with a solicitor
You need a barrister for specialist legal advice or court representation
In some cases, you can instruct a barrister directly (without a solicitor)

In this article, the Barrister Link team break it down for you.

What does a solicitor do?

A solicitor is typically your first point of contact for legal issues.

Solicitors:

Give general legal advice
Handle paperwork, contracts and correspondence
Manage your case from start to finish
Communicate with the other sideInstruct a barrister if specialist advice or advocacy is required

Solicitors often build ongoing relationships with clients and deal with a wide range of
matters.

You probably need a solicitor if you:

Need help understanding your legal position
Have lots of paperwork or ongoing correspondence
Want someone to manage your case end-to-end
Are dealing with a long or complex legal process

What does a barrister do?

A barrister is a specialist legal expert, particularly skilled in:

Interpreting complex points of law
Advising on the strengths and weaknesses of a case
Drafting legal arguments
Representing clients in court or hearings

Barristers usually focus on one area of law (such as employment, family, criminal, or
commercial disputes).

You may need a barrister if you:

Are going to court or tribunal
Need expert legal advice on a specific issue
Want a second opinion on your case
Are dealing with a high-risk or complex dispute

Can I instruct a barrister without a solicitor?

Yes, in many cases, you can. This is called Direct Access, and it allows individuals and businesses to instruct a
barrister directly, without going through a solicitor first.

When Direct Access works well

You need specialist advice on a specific issue
You want representation at a hearing or tribunal
You're comfortable managing some admin yourself
You want a faster or more cost-effective option

Not all cases are suitable for Direct Access, but for many people it’s a practical and flexible alternative.

Do I ever need both a solicitor and a barrister?

Yes, and this is very common.

In many cases:

The solicitor manages the case and client relationship
The barrister provides specialist advice or advocacy
Both work together to achieve the best outcome

This is particularly common in:

Court proceedings
Complex disputes
High-value or high-risk cases

What about costs, is a barrister more expensive?

Not necessarily.

While barristers are specialists, instructing a barrister directly can sometimes reduce
overall legal costs, as you’re paying for expert advice without additional layers of
administration. A solicitor, however, may save you time and stress if your case involves lots of
paperwork or ongoing management.

The right choice depends on:

The complexity of your case
Whether court representation is required
How much support you want with administration

How do I know which one I need?

Ask yourself:

Do I need ongoing support and case management? Choose a Solicitor
Do I need expert legal advice or court representation? Choose a Barrister
Do I need both? Choose Solicitor and Barrister
Do I want direct access to specialist advice? Go for a Direct Access Barrister

If you’re unsure, a clerk or legal professional can help guide you.
How Barrister Link helps. Barrister Link makes it easier to find the right legal expertise, without confusion.

The platform:

Connects clients, solicitors, barristers and clerks
Helps identify whether you need a solicitor, a barrister, or bothSupports Direct Access where appropriate
Makes the process clearer, quicker and more transparent

Instead of guessing, you can find the right route from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Q) Do I need a solicitor before going to court?
A) Not always. In many cases, a barrister can represent you directly through Direct
Access.

Q) Is a barrister better than a solicitor?
A) They do different jobs. Barristers specialise in advocacy and legal opinion;
solicitors manage cases and client relationships.

Q) Can I speak to a barrister directly?
A) Yes, if the case is suitable for Direct Access.

Q) What’s cheaper: a solicitor or a barrister?
A) It depends on the case. Sometimes using a barrister directly can reduce costs.

In summary

Solicitors manage cases and provide ongoing legal support
Barristers offer specialist advice and court representation
You don’t always need both, and you don’t always need a solicitor first

Understanding the difference helps you get the right legal help, faster.