Advocates are specialists in the art of advocacy, which is the expert presentation of a case in court and also involves advising clients on every aspect of litigation. The work of an advocate is, however, not confined to court cases. Advocates are often asked to provide opinions on a wide range of legal problems which do not involve a court dispute. Solicitors on the other hand usually carry on a more general type of legal practice than advocates. They normally practice in partnership with other solicitors.
Advocates are sole practitioners who all work independently of each other.
When a person needs to consult a lawyer his first contact is with the solicitor. If the client needs the expert legal advice or advocacy which this requires, his solicitor will then consult and advocate. An advocate receives his work from solicitors who instruct him and who are responsible for payment of his fees. The existence and standing of the bar depends upon its ability to provide the specialised and expert service required by the layman. There are over 350 advocates presently in practice at the Bar.