Do We Need Barristers?

[@EyeLean5280]

Fascinating! As an American, I've always wondered about the difference between a solicitor and a barrister.

[@alanbrooke144]

In New Zealand we have a fused system, lawyers qualify as ‘barrister and solicitor’; however the general rule is that individuals tend to specialise in either advocacy or administration & litigation.

[@kemal3599]

That final question is the same dilemma I faced a year ago. I chose the Solicitor path because I felt more comfortable being a FTE. Also, generally it seems like you can achieve financial success far sooner when you begin a training contract (in a top corporate law firm) as opposed to when you begin your pupilage. I do still enjoy performing advocacy however and I am interested in becoming a Solicitor advocate.

[@stevekristoff4365]

I do not have a horse in this race being from America, however find the history interesting. From an outsider's point of view it is very confusing and I do not see what is really being gained here that can not also be done simply by attorney specialization. Even in the current split system there apparently already is specialization anyway where some may get more or less exposure or experience/work at doing certain tasks. Seems to be a lot of wasted effort/man hours to have a parallel system not to mention the added cost and confusion to the public which the profession ultimately serves. To my eyes it appears more like a system that solely still exists as it can charge the public more for the duplicate/split efforts involved.

[@JimRiven]

Well, somebody has to serve me my coffee.

[@thegroove2000]

I'm literally a lay representative for a friend in the employment tribunal. All fun and games ha ha.

[@coastwalker101]

Solicitors are rubbish at making coffee. I'll get my coat.

[@paulcoffey359]

That's not the question. The question is; Should barristers be paid as much as they are? All barristers fees should be capped at $1,000 per day. That would sort out the true professionals from the dollar disciples.

[@paulamccarthy8197]

I think they should be fused

[@matthewkelly2399]

Generally dull lectures those on law. Watch the grass grow.