Who is referred to as a barrister?

A barrister is primarily understood to be a lawyer who represents clients in court. This role typically involves advocacy and litigation, where the barrister presents cases before judges and juries, providing legal arguments and conducting cross-examinations. In many jurisdictions, barristers are distinct from solicitors, who usually handle the initial stages of a case, including paperwork and client consultations.

In Canada, while the distinction between solicitors and barristers is not as pronounced as in some other jurisdictions, the term barrister is still commonly used to describe practitioners with a focus on court representation. They are often involved in trial work and possess specialized skills in courtroom advocacy, making them essential to the litigation process.

The other options include roles that are more specialized or focused on areas outside of courtroom representation. For instance, a lawyer who specializes in writing legal documents typically focuses on drafting agreements and conducting legal research, rather than court representation. A legal professional managing real estate transactions deals with property law and related documents but does not inherently imply courtroom advocacy. Meanwhile, a solicitor with additional licensing may have extended rights of audience in court, but this does not encompass the full scope of what a barrister typically represents. Thus, the role of a barrister is distinctly characterized by their practice in