noun
- A person who goes door-to-door selling vacuums is an example of a solicitor.
- An English lawyer is an example of a solicitor.
The definition of a solicitor is a person who asks for business or contributions, or a British word for lawyer.
solicitor
- a person who solicits; esp., one who seeks trade, asks for contributions, etc.
- in England, a member of the legal profession who is not a barrister: solicitors are not members of the bar and may not plead cases in superior courts
- in the U.S., a lawyer serving as official law officer for a city, department, etc.
Origin of solicitor
Middle English solycitour from Middle French solliciteursolicitor
noun
- One that solicits, especially one that seeks trade or contributions.
- An attorney holding a public office that handles cases involving a city, state, or other jurisdiction.
- Chiefly British An attorney who advises clients on legal matters, represents clients in certain lower courts, and prepares cases for barristers to present in the higher courts.
- Canadian A barrister and solicitor; a lawyer.
solicitor
Noun
(plural solicitors)
- In many common law jurisdictions, a type of lawyer whose traditional role is to offer legal services to clients apart from acting as their advocate in court. A solicitor instructs a barrister to act as an advocate for their client in court, although rights of audience for solicitors vary according to jurisdiction.
- In English Canada and in parts of Australia, a type of lawyer who historically held the same role as above, but whose role has in modern times been merged with that of a barrister.
- In parts of the U.S., the chief legal officer of a city, town or other jurisdiction.
- (North America) A person soliciting sales, especially door to door.
Usage notes
- Jurisdictions using the common-law definition include England and Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
solicitor - Legal Definition
n
In England, the lawyer who prepares a case for the
trial lawyer (known as the barrister)
and who settles cases out of court. One who attempts to get business or
contributions from others; an
agent or representative who conducts business on behalf of someone else; the
foremost officer of the law in a municipality or a state; an Attorney General. In some
jurisdictions, the prosecuting attorney.
