By Barrister Link - Fri, Jan 30, 2026 11:31 AM
If you’ve ever needed legal advice, you’ve probably come across terms like solicitor, barrister and clerk, and maybe wondered what the difference actually is.
You’re not alone. The UK legal system can feel confusing, opaque, and a bit intimidating. But once you understand who does what, it becomes much easier to get the right help, at the right time.
In this article, we’ll break it down so it’s easier to understand.
Why are there different legal roles?
In England and Wales, the legal profession is traditionally split into solicitors and barristers, with clerks playing a vital role behind the scenes. Each has a distinct purpose, skillset, and way of working — and they often work together on the same case.
- A GP (solicitor) handles day-to-day issues and ongoing advice
- A specialist consultant (barrister) steps in for complex or high-stakes matters
- An operations manager (clerk) makes sure the right expert is instructed and everything runs smoothly
What does a solicitor do?
Solicitors are usually your first point of contact.
- Give legal advice and explain your options
- Handle paperwork, contracts and correspondence
- Manage cases from start to finish
- Act as the main link between you and the court
- Instruct barristers when specialist advocacy or advice is needed
Solicitors often build long-term relationships with clients who could be individuals, businesses, or organisations, and deal with a wide range of legal issues, from employment and family matters to commercial disputes.
What is a solicitor best for?
Ongoing legal advice, managing your case, handling documentation, and guiding you through the legal process.
What does a barrister do?
Barristers are specialist legal experts and advocates.
They are typically instructed by solicitors to:
- Provide expert legal opinions
- Advise on complex or high-risk points of law
- Draft legal arguments and court documents
- Represent clients in court or at hearings
Barristers usually focus on a specific area of law (for example: employment, family, criminal, or commercial disputes) and are highly trained in advocacy — meaning they’re experts at presenting cases clearly and persuasively.
What if I don’t have a solicitor, can I instruct a barrister directly?
Yes, in many cases, you can.
This is known as Direct Access, and it allows individuals and businesses to instruct a barrister without going through a solicitor. It can be faster, more flexible, and more cost-effective, particularly where you only need specialist advice or representation.
What is a barrister best for?
Expert legal advice, court representation, complex disputes, and situations where specialist insight is crucial.
What does a clerk do?
Apart from making industry changing platforms like Barrister Link, clerks are the operational backbone of the Bar.
They don’t give legal advice but, without them, the system wouldn’t work.
- Match clients and solicitors with the right barrister
- Manage barristers’ diaries and availability
- Handle fees, pricing, and logistics
- Make sure instructions are clear and appropriate
- Act as a key point of contact throughout a case
A good clerk understands both the legal issues and the practical realities, ensuring that cases are handled efficiently, professionally, and fairly.
At Barrister Link, clerks are central to how the platform works, helping users find the right expertise quickly and confidently.
What are clerks are best for?
Ensuring you’re connected to the right barrister, at the right time, with clear expectations on cost and availability.
How do solicitors, barristers and clerks work together?
In many cases, all three roles collaborate:
- The solicitor manages the client relationship and case strategy
- The clerk identifies and instructs the most suitable barrister
- The barrister provides specialist advice or represents the client
- It’s a team effort — each role focused on what they do best.
Where does Barrister Link fit in?
Barrister Link makes it easier to navigate all of this.
- Connects solicitors, barristers, clerks and direct access clients
- Helps users find the right legal expertise quickly
- Brings transparency to availability, expertise and case management
- Supports modern, flexible ways of working across the legal profession
Whether you’re a solicitor looking to instruct counsel, a client seeking specialist advice, or a barrister managing your practice — Barrister Link helps the system work better for everyone.
Summary
- Solicitors manage cases and client relationships
- Barristers provide specialist advice and advocacy
- Clerks make the system run smoothly behind the scenes