In Australia, the legal profession includes various types of lawyers who specialize in specific areas of law. Here’s an overview of the most common types of lawyers and their roles and responsibilities:

Conveyancer

• Role: Specialises in property and real estate transactions.
• Responsibilities:
  • Assist with buying, selling, or leasing property.
  • Draft contracts and review titles and property documents.
  • Advise on zoning laws and planning permissions.
  • Handle disputes related to property boundaries or tenancy.

Notary Public

• Role: An authorized legal officer for certifying documents and witnessing signatures.
• Responsibilities:
  • Authenticate official documents for use overseas.
  • Witness and verify legal transactions.
  • Administer oaths and affirmations.
  • Provide certified copies of documents.

Solicitor

• Role: Solicitors are typically the first point of contact for clients seeking legal advice. They handle a broad range of legal work and often manage the client’s case from start to finish.
• Responsibilities:
  • Providing Legal Advice:
    • Advise clients on legal rights, obligations, and potential outcomes.
    • Assist with dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation.
  • Drafting Documents:
    • Prepare contracts, wills, leases, and other legal documents.
    • Draft pleadings and affidavits for court proceedings.
  • Client Representation:
    • Represent clients in lower courts, tribunals, and administrative hearings.
    • Act as an intermediary between the client and the barrister when necessary.
  • Case Preparation:
    • Gather evidence, conduct research, and prepare briefs for barristers.
    • Manage procedural aspects of legal matters, such as filing documents with the court.
  • Specialization:
    • Work across various areas such as family law, property law, corporate law, or criminal law.
  • Client Management:
    • Build ongoing relationships with clients and provide holistic legal support.

Barrister

• Role: Barristers are specialists in courtroom advocacy and legal argument. They are often engaged by solicitors to represent clients in court or provide expert advice on complex legal matters.
• Responsibilities:
  • Court Advocacy:
    • Represent clients in higher courts and tribunals.
    • Present legal arguments, examine witnesses, and address judges or juries.
  • Legal Opinions:
    • Provide expert opinions on specific legal questions.
    • Advise solicitors on the merits of cases and strategies for success.
  • Specialization:
    • Focus on areas like criminal law, commercial litigation, or constitutional law.
    • Often become experts in a narrow legal field.
  • Drafting Pleadings:
    • Draft detailed legal submissions for use in court.
    • Prepare documents such as statements of claim, defenses, and other pleadings.
  • Case Strategy:
    • Develop courtroom strategies and advise solicitors on procedural and evidentiary matters.
  • Self-Employment:
    • Work as independent practitioners in chambers, unlike solicitors who typically work in law firms.