Roles of Solicitors and Barristers in Australia

The majority of lawyers in Australia are solicitors and a small proportion are barristers. Solicitors usually work in firms and offer more general legal services.

Barristers are independent, sole practitioners who specialise in representing clients in court. Barristers often share office space with other barristers called Chambers.

In the past in Australia there were strict divisions between the roles of solicitors and barristers. Solicitors advised clients on routine legal matters, prepared cases for court and briefed barristers, while barristers only represented clients in court.

However this line of demarcation has changed in some parts of Australia, with solicitors playing a greater role in representing clients in court.

The separation of the roles of barristers and solicitors in Australia has become more relaxed in some States and Territories, while others have retained a more traditional system.

For information about the roles of solicitors and barristers in each State and Territory refer to the pages dedicated to each region.