solicitor

Everyday

1. (law, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand) A solicitor is a lawyer who gives people legal advice, writes papers like wills and house contracts, and may speak for them in lower courts. tree →
2. (US) A solicitor is someone who goes door to door selling things or asking for money; "No solicitors" on a door means do not knock to sell. tree →

In the lessons

In adult life families see a solicitor when buying a house (conveyancing), making a will, after a divorce, or in a custody case. In the UK a solicitor is different from a barrister, who argues cases in the higher courts wearing a wig. In the USA the sign "No soliciting" keeps sellers away. Phrases: see a solicitor, the family solicitor, solicitor's letter, Solicitor General.

Examples

• Mum and Dad met a solicitor to buy the new house. tree →
• Grandad's solicitor helped him write his will. tree →
• The solicitor's office was full of files and papers. tree →
• A solicitor will explain your rights. tree →
• The sign said "No Solicitors", so the salesman walked away. (US) tree →
• After the accident, Aunty Jo got a solicitor to help with the claim. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb solicit (formal: to ask for). Meaning differs by country: UK lawyer vs US door-to-door seller. In the USA, a lawyer is usually called an attorney or a lawyer.