Solicitor or lawyer
A common first contact for legal advice, document work, negotiation, file management and representation. Ask who would handle the work and whether a barrister or another lawyer may be needed later.
Find the right legal help
Do You Need a Lawyer, Barrister or Conveyancer?
Find the legal role that matches your task. Lawyers, barristers, conveyancers, mediators, migration agents, notaries and JPs do different work; these roles are not interchangeable.
Barrister
An independent advocate who may advise on complex questions and appear in court. Many are instructed through solicitors. Some accept direct briefs, but they must explain work they cannot undertake and direct access is not suitable for every matter.
Licensed conveyancer or settlement agent
Handles defined property-transfer work where the jurisdiction permits it. Scope and regulation differ by state and territory; a conveyancer is not a general substitute for a lawyer when the issue extends beyond conveyancing.
Registered migration agent
May provide immigration assistance within the federal registration framework. Australian lawyers may also provide immigration legal assistance. Check the person’s registration or practising status before engagement.
Mediator or family dispute resolution practitioner
Helps participants work through a dispute but does not decide the outcome or act as each side’s lawyer. Ask about qualifications, process, confidentiality, fees and whether separate legal advice is appropriate.
Justice of the Peace
May witness or certify particular documents, generally as a community service. A JP does not provide legal advice merely because they witness a document.
Notary public
A lawyer with an additional public function commonly used for documents intended overseas. Confirm the destination country’s requirements before arranging notarisation, authentication or apostille steps.
Three Questions to Help You Choose Legal Help
- What is the first task? Advice, signing, negotiation, court advocacy, transfer work, mediation, witnessing and international authentication require different roles.
- Which jurisdiction and forum are involved? Legal rules, property roles and court procedures can differ across Australia.
- Who remains responsible for the whole matter? A limited task may leave filing, evidence, negotiation or deadlines with you or another lawyer or adviser.
Questions to Ask Before Engagement
- Are you regulated for this work, and where can I check that?
- Does your proposed scope include advice, documents, negotiation or attendance?
- Who will perform and supervise the work?
- What tasks remain outside the quote?
- Will another lawyer or adviser need to be instructed, and who pays them?
Are solicitor and lawyer the same thing?
In everyday Australian use, a solicitor is a lawyer who commonly works directly with clients. ‘Lawyer’ is broader and can also include barristers. Confirm the person’s practising status and role rather than relying on the label alone.
Can I contact a barrister directly?
Some barristers accept instructions directly, but bar rules require them to consider whether direct access is appropriate and explain work they cannot perform. A solicitor may still be needed to manage the file or prepare the matter.
Can a JP tell me what a document means?
Witnessing or certifying a document does not itself authorise legal advice. If you need the effect, risks or wording explained, ask an appropriately qualified adviser before signing.
How do I check a lawyer or adviser?
Use the relevant official register for the person and task. Talk to a Lawyer links to lawyer sources for every state and territory; migration, conveyancing and other roles may have separate registers.
Check a lawyer’s registration · Find free and lower-cost legal help · Find Australian Lawyers