The distinction between a solicitor or lawyer can initially appear to be confusing. Reference to a lawyer or an attorney is generally used in other countries, for example, America. However, we find that more frequently such references are being used in England to describe what would usually be referred to as a Solicitor. For the purposes of this blog, the term Solicitor is intended to be those individuals practising in England.
What is a solicitor?
A solicitor is a legal practitioner usually specialising in a particular field of law, for example, at Lanshaws Solicitors we specialise in employment law only. It used to be the case (and may still be within some firms), that a solicitor may cover several areas of law.
What does a solicitor do?
The extent of a solicitors’ duties will vary greatly depending on the particular area of law practised. Solicitors will generally represent a client on a legal situation and support them throughout it. In some situations, a solicitor may work together with a barrister (also termed Counsel) who will be an advocate and may represent a client at a court or employment tribunal.
What does an employment law solicitor do?
An employment law solicitor will specialise in employment related matters which can cover a wide range of areas, for example, preparing or reviewing a Contract of Employment, Director’s Service Agreement, Staff Handbooks, policies and procedures or various documentation, dealing with employment disputes, disciplinary procedures, grievance procedures, redundancy, dismissal, unfair dismissal, breach of contract issues, negotiating settlements, Settlement Agreements (previously referred to as a Compromise Agreement) and claims at an Employment Tribunal. They may act for employees, employers or a mixture of both. Lanshaws Solicitors act for both employees and employers.
Although in England references are generally made to employment law or workplace disputes, they may also be recognised as references to labor or industrial law
If you would like to discuss any of the issues in this blog, please contact us.
