A lawyer who advises clients and prepares legal documents (especially in British legal systems); or someone who asks for money or donations.
From Latin 'sollicitare' (to disturb, urge), from 'sollicitus' (anxious). Originally meant 'one who urges or persuades,' then became the formal title for a type of lawyer in England.
In the British legal system, solicitors and barristers were completely separate professions until 2004—solicitors never appeared in court, creating a rigid two-tier system that seemed bizarre to Americans with their unified lawyers.
Legal profession historically male-dominated with gender-specific admission barriers in UK until mid-20th century; professional language defaulted to male pronouns and 'solicitor' carried gendered assumptions.
Use 'solicitor' gender-neutrally; when discussing profession, acknowledge women's representation in modern law.
Women solicitors fought for professional recognition in UK; Carrie Morrison was among first admitted; celebrate their legal contributions.
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