solicitor

[suh-lis-i-ter]

noun

1. a person who solicits.

2. a person whose business it is to solicit business, trade, etc.

3. an officer having charge of the legal business of a city, town, etc.

4. (in England and Wales) a member of that branch of the legal profession whose services consist of advising clients, representing them before the lower courts, and preparing cases for barristers to try in the higher courts.

   Synonyms: counselor, attorney, lawyer

solicitor

/ səˈlɪsɪtə /

noun

1. (in Britain) a lawyer who advises clients on matters of law, draws up legal documents, prepares cases for barristers, etc, and who may represent clients in certain courts Compare barrister

2. (in the US) an officer responsible for the legal affairs of a town, city, etc

3. a person who solicits

Other Word Forms

• solicitorship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicitor¹

1375–1425; late Middle English solicitour < Anglo-French; Middle French soliciteur. See solicit, -or ²

Example Sentences

His solicitor told the court that his client had received treatment for mental health difficulties.

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Through their solicitor, they gave a deadline after which they would no longer be able to offer Liam a home, and it would become the council's duty to accommodate him.

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Defence solicitor advocate Iain McSporran KC said his client had serious mental health issues which were partly associated with his former army career.

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The court previously heard that Kastrati was arrested and questioned without either a solicitor or an Albanian interpreter present.

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Visits also took place from a "solicitor or consultant" connected to the McKay family, who did not disclose their position and said they would visit "every day", the High Court heard.

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Related Words

• barrister 
• counselor