solicitor

/səˈlɪsədər/

/səˈlɪsɪtə/

Other forms: solicitors

If you get into trouble in England, don't ask for a lawyer. Find a solicitor. England has two levels of attorneys: for big problems, you'll need a barrister, but for your hypothetical legal troubles, a solicitor should do nicely.

Some highly placed attorneys in the U.S. are also called solicitors. The lawyer in charge of government cases that come before the Supreme Court is the Solicitor General, and that was Elena Kagan's job before President Barack Obama appointed her to the Supreme Court. Solicitor isn’t always a privileged position. The person who knocks on your door asking you to contribute to some worthy cause is also a solicitor — someone who asks for — or solicits — donations.

Definitions of solicitor

1. noun

   a British lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents
   types:

   law agent

   a solicitor in Scotland

   type of:

   attorney, lawyer

   a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
2. noun

   a petitioner who solicits contributions or trade or votes
   synonyms: canvasser

   types:

   fundraiser

   someone who solicits financial contributions

   type of:

   petitioner, requester, suppliant, supplicant

   one praying humbly for something