Solicitor or Barrister: Which One Should You Choose? (Salary, Hours, Employers, Work Experience)

If you're considering a career in law or looking for the right legal representation, understanding the difference between a solicitor and a barrister is crucial. These roles may appear similar on the surface, but they vary greatly in terms of daily duties, salary, work environments, and career paths. Whether you're a young professional choosing your legal career path or someone seeking legal advice, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Difference: Solicitors vs. Barristers

In the UK, the legal profession is split into two main branches: solicitors and barristers. While both are qualified legal professionals, their roles differ significantly in terms of interaction with clients, courtroom duties, and areas of legal practice.

Solicitors are typically the first point of contact for clients. They offer advice, handle paperwork, negotiate deals, and prepare cases for barristers if complex litigation or representation in higher courts is needed. Their work is often office-based, and they may develop long-term client relationships.

Barristers, on the other hand, are specialists in courtroom advocacy and legal opinions. They are often hired by solicitors to represent clients in court, particularly in higher courts. Barristers are self-employed and work in chambers, often hopping between courtrooms and legal libraries.

Legal professionals may qualify as either, or in some cases convert from one to the other later in their careers. It’s important to understand your personality and preferences when choosing which role is the right fit for you.

Salary Expectations

One of the most common questions for aspiring legal professionals is: “Which career pays more?” The truth is, both professions offer competitive salaries, but several factors affect how much you can earn, including location, experience, specialisation, and type of employer.

Here’s a breakdown of average salaries in the UK:

Experience Level	Solicitor (Annual Salary)	Barrister (Annual Salary)
Entry-Level (0-3 years PQE)	£25,000 - £45,000	£16,000 - £50,000
Mid-Level (4-9 years PQE)	£45,000 - £70,000	£50,000 - £120,000
Senior / Partner Level	£80,000 - £150,000+	£150,000 - £250,000+

The salaries for barristers may vary drastically in the early years, especially when working on a self-employed basis. Over time, however, high-earning barristers—particularly those specialising in areas like commercial law—can surpass solicitors in income, thanks to private client work and courtroom success.

In contrast, solicitors employed in top law firms or in-house for large corporations tend to enjoy greater income stability early in their careers, with predictable salaries and benefits like pensions and holiday pay.

Working Hours and Workload

While both solicitors and barristers work hard, their daily schedules and pressures differ. Solicitors are more likely to work regular hours, typically Monday through Friday, though overtime is common in busy legal seasons or firm environments.

Barristers often enjoy some flexibility in their hours, especially when preparing for cases independently. However, court appearances, deadlines and client expectations mean evenings and weekends may still be used for preparation. The variability can suit those who prefer project-based schedules, but it also means income and workload can fluctuate.

Solicitors working in commercial law, property, or corporate fields often juggle multiple client accounts and must be effective multi-taskers. They must manage case files, correspond with clients, and meet frequent deadlines, all while maintaining legal accuracy and professionalism.

Barristers, while typically working on fewer cases at a time, face the high-pressure environment of courtroom advocacy. This role demands confidence, public speaking skills, and a deep understanding of legal precedent and argumentation. Many barristers also draft legal opinions, especially in complex or high-value cases.

Types of Employers

The workplace environment can play a huge role in career satisfaction, and the difference is quite distinct between solicitors and barristers. Solicitors normally work as employees in law firms, government departments, local authorities, or within in-house legal teams of corporations such as real estate developers or construction firms.

Sectors such as property law, planning law, and construction law are particularly aligned with industries linked to architecture, design, and DIY. Professionals in those sectors often work with solicitors to manage contracts, navigate building regulations, and resolve disputes.

Barristers, especially those in private practice, are generally self-employed and operate out of a set of chambers. They rent their office space, pay for administrative support, and manage their own casework and finances. While this offers autonomy and financial potential, it also means barristers carry the responsibility of running a solo business.

Some barristers are employed, working for large legal firms, government services like the Crown Prosecution Service, or non-profits. Employment provides benefits such as stable income and job security but may come with less flexibility than the independent route.

Work Experience and Training Pathways

Starting a career as a legal professional in the UK involves a structured training journey, and the paths to qualification differ slightly for solicitors and barristers.

To become a solicitor, you typically complete a Qualifying Law Degree (LLB), followed by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which has become the new standard pathway since 2021. This is then complemented by two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), which gives hands-on experience under supervision in real legal settings.

For barristers, the journey requires a law degree (or a conversion course like the Graduate Diploma in Law), followed by the Bar Practice Course (BPC). After completing the BPC, aspiring barristers must undergo a 12-month pupillage—a form of practical training and mentorship—within a set of chambers before becoming fully qualified.

Work experience is essential for both paths. This includes vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, internships, and paralegal work. Employers look favourably upon candidates who can demonstrate legal thinking, client handling, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.

For those in design, construction, or architecture, understanding how legal professionals approach contracts and planning processes can offer immense value. Moreover, if you’re facing legal decisions in your own home or business projects, a solicitor might be the first legal advisor you’ll consult.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between solicitor and barrister depends largely on your personal strengths, career goals, and preferred working style. Are you detail-oriented and enjoy long-term client relationships? Do you prefer predictable hours and a collaboratively structured environment? Then the role of a solicitor may suit you best.

On the other hand, if you thrive in high-pressure situations, enjoy debating, and prefer working independently on complex legal challenges, a career as a barrister may offer the excitement and autonomy you seek.

From a client’s perspective—if you’re involved in any legal matter related to property, planning, or construction, you’ll likely interact with a solicitor first. Only in complex disputes or court cases will a barrister be brought on board, usually through a solicitor’s instruction.

Ultimately, both careers offer rewarding opportunities and the potential to have a meaningful impact, whether you’re advocating in court or advising clients through transformative life decisions. Understanding each path is the first step in choosing the right legal direction—whether professionally or personally.