solicitor

American  

[suh-lis-i-ter] / səˈlɪs ɪ tər /

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

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solicitor British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• solicitorship noun

Etymology

Origin of solicitor

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

Example Sentences

Andrew would then have had a decision to make: take the legal advice of the 24/7 local duty solicitor, or draft in his own lawyer.

From BBC

The letters also contain a group of housekeeper's notes from Greenway cottage, including various contact details for her literary agent, doctor, builder, solicitor and others.

From BBC

However, one solicitor warned against racial generalisations of perpetrators.

From BBC

In December last year, solicitors acting for the bereaved families warned the inquiry risked failing to meet its legal duty unless it set out a "clear plan and roadmap".

From BBC

Rees's defence solicitor said she was of "prior clean character" and the court ordered a pre-sentence report to be drawn up before sentencing.

From BBC

Related Words

• barrister
• counselor