NSW Will We Need a Barrister for a Family Law Case?

Australia's #1 for Law
Join 150,000 Australians every month. Ask a question, respond to a question and better understand the law today!
FREE - Join Now

Vinnie

Well-Known Member
13 October 2015
34
1
124
What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister ? And is a Queen Counsel (QC) higher than barrister? How many ranks are there for lawyers?

When will we need a barrister or anyone higher in a family law case ?
 

AllForHer

Well-Known Member
23 July 2014
3,664
684
2,894
A good analogy of the difference between a solicitor and a barrister is imagining the difference between a general practitioner of the medical profession and a surgeon.

Barristers are highly experienced officers of the court. In most family law matters, a private solicitor hired by a party will brief a barrister to represent as counsel for them and their client. A barrister will not ordinarily take instruction directly from a client, they will only take instruction from a solicitor.

Queen's Counsel are barristers of seniority and eminence who have been granted the title by the court.

Ordinarily, a barrister is not engaged by your solicitor until final trial, though they may consult with a barrister intermittently for advice and guidance on the matter.
 

N Knight

Well-Known Member
27 December 2015
28
1
105
it is also possible for your lawyer never to engage a barrister.
If the lawyer is a skilled advocate they are able to represent you in court.
Thus saving you lot of money.