The law is allegedly a dry subject, but here are five surprising facts about solicitors.
There is a regulatory body solely for solicitors
Founded in 2007, the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, or SRA, provides the public with information about the work of solicitors and sets the standards the public can expect. They also oversee the performance of the bodies which provide legal training.
There are over 200,000 solicitors registered
The latest figures from the SRA indicate that there are 211,755 solicitors on the roll. There are 176,360 practising solicitors in England and Wales and many more working in-house. As of September 2025, there were just over 9,000 firms.
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Solicitors must pass a character and suitability test
When applying to be enrolled as a solicitor, individuals must tell the SRA anything which may be relevant to their suitability. It will need to be given information relating to their fitness to practise, such as any criminal record, education assessment offences and any fiscal issues affecting their independence.
Solicitors do not always represent clients in court
Although solicitors do often represent clients in court, there are occasions when a barrister will be employed to do so. This may not be because of superior advocacy skills, but rather the seriousness of any charges or the complexity of the case.
US law firms are entering the UK
Over recent years, the UK legal market has attracted a number of American law firms. This has resulted in increased competition.