Most of us go years without needing a lawyer, and then suddenly need one for something like buying a house, sorting out a will or dealing with a problem at work.

That's when the questions start. Do you need a solicitor or a barrister? What's the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor? And which type of lawyer actually deals with your problem?

Here's a simple guide to the different types of lawyers in the UK, what each one does, and which one you're likely to need.

Lawyer, solicitor or barrister: what's the difference?

"Lawyer" is a general term for anyone who is qualified to give legal advice or represent people. Solicitors and barristers are both types of lawyer.

The main difference is what they do day to day.

Solicitors are usually your first point of contact. They give legal advice, prepare documents like contracts and wills, deal with property sales and handle most cases from start to finish.

Most people who need legal help only ever deal with a solicitor.

Barristers specialise in representing people in court and giving expert advice on complex cases. They're usually brought in by a solicitor when a case goes to a higher court, although you can approach some barristers directly through the public access scheme.

In short, if you have a legal problem, you'll almost always start with a solicitor. They'll bring in a barrister if your case needs one.

Other types of lawyers in the UK

Solicitors and barristers aren't the only qualified lawyers. You might also come across:

• Chartered legal executives (CILEX lawyers): qualified lawyers who usually specialise in one area of law, such as conveyancing or family law. They can do much of the same work as a solicitor and are often cheaper.
• Licensed conveyancers: specialists in buying and selling property. They only deal with conveyancing, but if that's all you need, they can be a good value option.
• Paralegals: trained in law and support solicitors with research and paperwork. Some offer services directly, such as help with simple documents, but they can't do everything a solicitor can.
• Notaries: mainly certify documents for use abroad, such as paperwork for buying property overseas.
• Commissioners for oaths: all practising solicitors can witness sworn statements, known as affidavits. I needed one when applying to have my birth certificate added to another country's register, with the aim of getting a passport, and it cost just £5.

It's worth knowing that the legal system is different in Scotland, where barristers are called advocates. The guide below is based on England and Wales.

The main types of lawyers by area of law

Most solicitors and law firms specialise in certain areas. Here are the types of lawyers you're most likely to need.

Conveyancing and property lawyers

Conveyancing solicitors and licensed conveyancers handle the legal side of buying and selling a home, from checking the title and searches to transferring the money and registering the new owner.

If you're buying with a mortgage, your lender will require a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to act for you. We've used a conveyancing solicitor every time we've moved, for both selling and buying.

Property lawyers can also help with leases, boundary disputes and remortgages, although many lenders include free legal work when you remortgage, so you may not need to pay for your own. Here are some things to know when buying a home.

Family lawyers

Family lawyers deal with divorce, separation, dissolving a civil partnership and arrangements for children, such as where they live and how much time they spend with each parent.

They can also help sort out finances when a relationship ends, including dividing property, pensions and savings, and getting a financial agreement made legally binding.

Employment lawyers

An employment lawyer helps make sure you're treated fairly at work. They can check your contract and settlement agreements, and advise on issues like unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, harassment and unpaid wages.

Employment lawyers also advise businesses and HR teams on contracts, policies and staff disputes.

Wills and probate lawyers

These lawyers help you write a will, set up a lasting power of attorney and plan how your estate will be passed on. After someone dies, they can also deal with probate, which means sorting out the person's money, property and belongings.

You don't have to use a solicitor for a will, but it's worth it if your situation is complicated, for example if you have children from different relationships, own a business or own property abroad.

We've had our wills made by a solicitor twice, as we needed major changes around ten years later, after relocating and our circumstances changing.

Personal injury lawyers

Personal injury lawyers help you claim compensation if you've been injured because of someone else's fault or negligence. Common examples include car accidents, slips and trips in shops or public places, accidents at work and medical negligence.

Many work on a no win no fee basis, which means you don't pay them if your claim isn't successful.

Criminal defence lawyers

If you're arrested, questioned by the police or charged with a crime, a criminal defence solicitor can advise you, represent you in court and help you understand your options.

You have the right to free legal advice at the police station, whether or not you've been charged, so it's always worth asking for it.

Motoring lawyers

Motoring solicitors specialise in driving offences, such as speeding, using a phone while driving, careless driving and drink driving. They're most useful if you're at risk of losing your licence, or you think a penalty was given unfairly.

Business and commercial lawyers

If you run a business, a commercial lawyer can help with contracts, terms and conditions, setting up a company, partnership agreements, intellectual property and disputes with suppliers or clients.

Dispute resolution and litigation lawyers

These lawyers help settle disagreements, ideally without going to court. That could be a dispute with a builder, a neighbour, a landlord or a company that owes you money.

If the dispute can't be settled, they can take the case to court for you.

We once used a dispute solicitor when we were selling an inherited house. A consent form needed signing by the executors of someone who had since died before the sale could go through, and they ignored our conveyancer for months.

Our solicitor drafted a letter asking them to complete it, or we'd take it to court. It annoyed them, but it finally made them complete the forms through their own solicitor.

How to tell which type of lawyer you need

If you're not sure which type of lawyer you need, don't worry. Most law firms have different departments, and whoever answers the phone can usually point you to the right person.

It can help to write down a short summary of your problem first, including any key dates and documents. That makes it quicker to explain, and easier for the firm to tell you whether they can help.

To check a solicitor is qualified, you can search for them on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) register. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.

For more tips, see my guide on how to find a good lawyer or solicitor in the UK, and the common situations where you might need a solicitor.

Final thoughts

The legal world can feel confusing, but for most everyday problems, the answer is simple: start with a solicitor who specialises in your type of issue. They'll explain your options and bring in a barrister or other specialist if you need one.

This guide is general information, not legal advice, so always speak to a qualified lawyer about your own situation.