Lawyer? Shouldn't that be Solicitor?

[nickytwotimes]

So says dh anytime he hears lawyer being used outwith USA copntext.

Is he right?

surely a lawyer can be either a solicitor or a barrister?

Lawyer in the UK is a generic term, so means anyone who works within the law, so could be solicitor, barrister, leagal exec, etc.

x-posts.
Thank you Hulababy.

Lawyer means barrister or solicitor, not anyone who works within the law.

Legal exec comes under the term lawyer IME.

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Well, some do.... :D

DH's biggest bug bear is when people think a barrister is a promtion from solicitor.

Barristers are above solicitors in the legal pecking order aren't they? I think that Barristers only appear in court but solicitors mainly work in law practices with some court appearances

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Not always MadameB, it is possible for solicitors to train to be allowed Higher Rights of Audience.

Barristers are no more qualified that a solicitor. Infact solicitors do a year longer training.

They are just two very different jobs within the law.

wot hula said

I ususally describe myselof as a lawyer becuase when I say "paralegal" I always get "whats that?" and I just got sick of explaining it

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and to tell my BIL (solicitor) that my sis (barrister) is higher than him in the pecking order. I mean she is at home, obviously but I don't think he's accept that she is officially too.

I'm the bottom of the food chain, lawyerly

I work with as legal cashier can I call my self a Lawyer

Common perecption is that barristers are higher then solicitors.

Perecption is:

They get to do the courtroom telly type stuff, and sweep around in a gown and wig, which is always impressive, for about 2 minutes.

Solicitors sit in bland offices and shuffle paper.

Both are lawyers.

Oh go on then whoops, but you will be lower than me

Cor thanks Mama
Always knew I was the lowest although there are always secretaries

don't let them hear you say that

Receptionists are far lower

I know I did put on the hard hat when I said that
Yes receptionist are far lower although where I work they are the secretaries too half the time!

I think it is those that practise law I guess. Work in the law wrong phrase.