Legal team - who's who

The legal team would usually include a solicitor and a barrister.

A solicitor conducts the claim from start to finish and communicates everything to the injured person and his or her family. Traditionally solicitors deal with all sorts of different problems, handling all enquiries, correspondence, preparation and other work which is needed to get a case ready for trial.

Barristers are fewer in number and are a specialist referral profession: they are called in (instructed) as and when appropriate. A solicitor would normally select and instruct the services of a barrister as a 'legal consultant', who specialises in the preparation of the case for the court hearing. The barrister should be instructed early in the claim to ensure that the injured person and their family can get to know the entire team at an early stage.

The injured person cannot instruct a barrister directly due to professional rules. Also, because specialist barristers are required only for consultative advice, it might not be practical for them to work without a solicitor.

Looking for specific advice? Speak to our recommended solicitors.