Lawyers tend not to be generalists. Within a law firm, there will be different lawyers who have incommensurable functions. Today, let’s find out about the many tasks of a solicitor, Dandenong in Victoria has a Magistrate’s Court so we will begin our journey there.

Terms used to describe different kinds of lawyer vary not only between countries but also between states in Australia, though to a small degree.

At the court in Dandenong, you will find a solicitor representing his or her clients to in the courtroom and providing legal advice to clients. Solicitors are also responsible for some paperwork, for example they may draw up wills. Solicitors only represent clients in Magistrate’s Courts such as the one in Dandenong; in higher courts, the client’s case is presented by a barrister. If a case moves from the Magistrate’s Court to a higher court, the solicitor working with the client is likely to advise the barrister, as they have been previously working with the client and know the case quite well. However, the solicitor will not abandon the client; rather, they will work as a conduit between the barrister and client. As a barrister is more specialised, their time is worth more.

In an easy, drama-free family law case, a solicitor will prepare forms and act on behalf of the client in court. However, in a more complicated case such as in a custody battle, it is often necessary to engage the services of a barrister.

Both solicitors and barristers are types of lawyers; in general, you should always consult a solicitor first when you require legal services. If they deem a barrister necessary in your situation, they will refer you, so do not worry about making an incorrect choice.

Hopefully you now understand about the functions of solicitors including in family law, Dandenong court was here used as an example however this information is fairly general for all of Australia.