Glossary
Solicitor — explained for Turkish readers
A qualified lawyer in England and Wales who advises clients, handles documents and transactions, and can certify copies and witness declarations.
The legal profession in England and Wales is split in two. A solicitor advises clients directly, prepares documents, handles property, probate, immigration and company work, and instructs a barrister when a case needs to be argued in a higher court. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The Turkish avukat covers both roles, so “solicitor” is usually translated as avukat, with a note where the distinction matters. Two things a solicitor does often surprise Turkish readers: a solicitor can certify a photocopy as a true copy, and every practising solicitor may act as a commissioner for oaths, which in Türkiye would be a notary's job.
A solicitor who did not make a translation cannot certify its accuracy; they can only witness the translator's signature. Immigration solicitors regularly ask us for translations that meet the Home Office wording; see our page for immigration solicitors and OISC advisers.