In many cases a solicitor may decided to brief a barrister to appear in court instead, but will still be responsible to the client and prepare evidence. Some solicitors work by themselves and are known as sole practitioners. Most solicitors work in firms where there are two or more solicitors and some larger firms employ more than 100 lawyers. Where a legal problem is very complex, a solicitor may seek the advice of a barrister who has specialised knowledge. Barristers, unlike solicitors, do not deal with the many transactions and legal problems of clients which do not need a court decision.
All barristers are self-employed.
Barristers must have excellent research skills as well as oral and written communication skills. Debating or public speaking skills are also useful and an ability to remember details quickly and accurately is important. Corporate lawyers Corporate lawyers are solicitors employed by a business rather than a law firm. They work in banks, manufacturing businesses and even tourism companies. In this arrangement the business is the solicitor's client.