barrister
/'bæristə/
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of lawyer in certain legal systems: A barrister is a qualified legal professional in some jurisdictions (notably England, Wales, and other Commonwealth countries like Canada and Australia) who has the right to argue cases in the higher courts. They are typically instructed by a solicitor, who handles the client directly.
Usage
- Barristers specialize in courtroom advocacy, drafting legal pleadings, and providing expert legal opinions.
- In many systems, they are distinguished from solicitors, who have more direct client contact and handle preparatory legal work.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "To be called to the bar": This phrase refers to the ceremony where a person qualifies and becomes a barrister, gaining the right to plead in court.
- She was called to the bar last year and now practices in London.
Variants and Related Words
- Barristerial (adj): Relating to a barrister or their work.
- His barristerial duties required extensive research.
- Bar (n): In this context, the legal profession of barristers collectively; the body of qualified barristers.
- She is a member of the Bar.
Synonyms
- Advocate: A person who pleads a case on someone else's behalf (a general term, but a close synonym in some jurisdictions like Scotland).
- Counsel: Often used interchangeably with barrister, especially in phrases like "legal counsel" or "King's Counsel."
- Trial lawyer: A lawyer who specializes in trying cases in court (a functional synonym, though not system-specific).
Antonyms / Contrasting Terms
- Solicitor: In jurisdictions with a split profession, a solicitor is a lawyer who deals directly with clients, prepares cases, and may instruct a barrister for court representation.
- Attorney: A general term for a lawyer, commonly used in the United States, where the barrister/solicitor distinction does not apply.
Related Phrases
- "Taking silk": The process of a barrister becoming a Queen's Counsel or King's Counsel (QC/KC), a senior status marked by wearing a silk gown.
- After two decades of distinguished service, he is taking silk this year.
- "Chambers": The offices or group of offices where barristers work, typically sharing resources and clerks.
- She found a place in a prestigious set of chambers.
Noun
-
a British or Canadian lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law on behalf of either the defense or prosecution
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