Solicitor versus barrister
This table illustrates some of the differences between the two branches of the profession, including demographics, working environments, career progression and salary.
Solicitors As of May 2022, there were 156,055 practising solicitors. The total number of solicitors on the roll was 215,567. Women make up 52% of all solicitors and partners in law firms. But there are many more men than women at partner level – on average, a large firm has 65-70% male partners and only 30-35% women. People from ethnic minority backgrounds make up 17% of all solicitors. Mostly employed in private law firms, so receive a regular monthly salary. Work mainly with individuals, companies and barristers. Office-based. Engage more in ongoing advisory and one-to-one client work. Aspire to become a partner (ie, part ownership of firm and entitlement to a percentage of its profits). While there’s no longer a minimum annual trainee salary, the average UK salary for a first-year trainee is around £27,500, while City firms can sometimes pay considerably more – anywhere from £35,000 upwards.
Barristers In 2021, there were 17,263 practising barristers. Of those, 13,622 were self- employed. Around 38% of all practising barristers are women (ie, 6,624 women compared to 10,437 men). People from ethnic minority backgrounds make up 14.5% of all practising barristers (ie, 2,506). Mostly self-employed, so receive irregular (but often substantial) fees. Work mainly with solicitors and other barristers. Chambers and court-based. Engage more in one-off advocacy (ie, court cases). Aspire to become Queen’s Counsel or QC (ie, a top barrister, normally instructed in very serious and complex cases). The Bar Standards Board requires that all pupils be paid no less than £19,144 per annum in London and £17,152 outside of London. Many earn much more – upwards of £50,000 in some cases.
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