Both barristers and solicitors are legal professionals that require a law degree and often work closely together, but they play quite different parts in the legal system. Before choosing, it is important to understand how they differ, how they work together, and what skills and strengths are necessary for each role.
Barristers and solicitors often work together as part of the same legal team.
In many cases, a client’s main point of contact is a solicitor, who manages the relationship, gathers information, prepares documents and gives ongoing advice. When a case needs specialist advocacy or complex opinion work, the solicitor may then brief a barrister to appear in court or provide focused legal analysis. The solicitor stays involved, coordinating the matter and supporting the client, while the barrister concentrates on presenting arguments and navigating court procedure. This partnership helps ensure clients receive both broad support and specialist expertise when they need it.
Stand up for others, solve complex problems and guide people through the law as a practising solicitor.
Stand up in court and help deliver justice as a barrister (not barista, your daily grind is at the Bar, not the café!)
With a law degree, you can move from understanding the law to changing how it works for people.
Different people are drawn to different parts of legal work, and barristers and solicitors tend to lean on slightly different strengths.
Barristers are usually best suited to those who enjoy advocacy, thinking on their feet and speaking in front of others. They often thrive on detailed analysis, building arguments, and responding quickly to new information in court.
Solicitors are often more client‑facing, so they’re well suited to people who like building ongoing relationships, managing files over time and working as part of a team. Strong organisational skills, clear written communication and a practical, problem‑solving mindset are especially important in a solicitor’s day‑to‑day work.
Both roles require a solid understanding of the law, attention to detail and a commitment to ethical, professional conduct.
Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's law courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a lawyer in Australia.
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