At a basic level, a solicitor will advise their client on legal
matters. The exact nature of the work will vary depending on the
nature of the client and the nature of the legal matter.
Commercial solictors tend to have corporate clients they advise on
business matters and private clients that they advise on tax, property
and litigation matters. Non-commercial solicitors tend to act
with smaller private clients and can act on family matters and
wills. The two groups are by no means mutually exclusive however.
Work can typically involve research, drafting contracts and agreements,
negotiating and representing clients in court. Hours can often be quite
demanding as deadlines loom, sometimes requiring weekend work, and
those working for large firms may also be expected to travel abroad
occasionally. The range of opportunities and levels, that legal work
offers qualified solicitors, however, means that law still remains a
highly attractive and popular career choice for graduates.
Commercial Solicitors
Most commercial solicitors will specialise in one of: property; tax;
employment; finance; intellectual property and competition law.
Work is typically intelectually demanding and highly complex. The
work can include research, drafting contracts and agreements and
representing clients in court and at negociations. At times this
work can be performed under consderable time pressure and to tight
deadlines. Other activities will include meeting and advising
clients, drafting contracts, negociating, researching, checking all
documentation prior to signing and maintaining traing as part of
continuing professional development.
Non-commercial Solicitors
Non-commercial solicitors will have a client base predominantly
consisting of individuals and small businesses. They will take
instructions and advise on necessary courses of legal action.
Work can vary considerably depending on location and on the
client-base, but will generally deal with the needs of the local
community. Typical services will relate to buying and selling
property, landlord and tenancy agreements, litigation and wills and
probate.
