Top 5 Myths About Solicitors – Debunked by Haighs Solicitors
From courtroom dramas to high-stakes legal thrillers, television shows like How To Get Away With Murder and Law & Order have shaped public perceptions of the legal profession. While they make for entertaining viewing, they’ve also led to a fair share of misconceptions about what solicitors actually do.
At Haighs Solicitors, we’re here to set the record straight. Below, we debunk five of the most common myths about solicitors to provide a clearer, more accurate picture. Whether you’re curious about the profession or considering a legal career yourself.
Myth 1: Solicitors and Lawyers Are the Same Thing
Not quite. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction. Lawyer is a broad term that refers to anyone qualified to give legal advice. This includes both solicitors and barristers.
A solicitor typically handles legal documentation, client meetings and preparation of cases, often referring complex advocacy to a barrister, who represents clients in court. So, while all solicitors are lawyers, not all lawyers are solicitors.
Myth 2: Solicitors Spend All Their Time in Court
Contrary to what TV might show, most solicitors rarely step into a courtroom. Their work is primarily office-based, involving tasks such as drafting legal documents, negotiating on behalf of clients and offering advice during police interviews. While solicitors may represent clients in lower courts, more serious advocacy is usually passed on to a barrister.
Myth 3: Only the Wealthy Can Become Solicitors
While legal training does come with costs, a career in law is more accessible than many believe. Thanks to legal apprenticeships, Student Finance England and a range of flexible and part-time study options, there are multiple routes into the profession. Dedication and hard work matter far more than financial background.
Myth 4: Hiring a Solicitor Is Always Expensive
The cost of hiring a solicitor varies depending on the type of legal support you need and the firm you choose. At Haighs Solicitors, we strive to make expert legal services affordable and accessible. We also offer free legal advice to ensure that clients can receive guidance without financial worry.
Myth 5: Solicitors Are Dishonest
This is perhaps the most damaging and most inaccurate myth. The idea that solicitors routinely bend the truth is a media-fuelled stereotype. In reality, solicitors are bound by strict legal and ethical obligations. At Haighs, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, professionalism, and integrity. Misleading the court isn’t just unethical; it’s illegal.
In Summary
The legal profession is often misunderstood, thanks to fictional portrayals that focus more on drama than reality. In truth, solicitors play a vital and often behind-the-scenes role in guiding clients through complex legal matters with care, accuracy and professionalism.
If you have any questions about working with a solicitor or pursuing a career in law, we’re happy to help.
Contact Haighs Solicitors:
📞 01924 489197
📧 nick@haighssolicitors.co.uk
🌐 www.haighssolicitors.co.uk
