<P> There are other essential differences . A barrister will usually have rights of audience in the higher courts, whereas other legal professionals will often have more limited access, or will need to acquire additional qualifications to have such access . As in common law countries in which there is a split between the roles of barrister and solicitor, the barrister in civil law jurisdictions is responsible for appearing in trials or pleading cases before the courts . </P> <P> Barristers usually have particular knowledge of case law, precedent, and the skills to "build" a case . When a solicitor in general practice is confronted with an unusual point of law, they may seek the "opinion of counsel" on the issue . </P> <P> In most countries, barristers operate as sole practitioners, and are prohibited from forming partnerships or from working as a barrister as part of a corporation . (In 2009, the Clementi Report recommended the abolition of this restriction in England and Wales .) However, barristers normally band together into "chambers" to share clerks (administrators) and operating expenses . Some chambers grow to be large and sophisticated, and have a distinctly corporate feel . In some jurisdictions, they may be employed by firms of solicitors, banks, or corporations as in - house legal advisers . </P> <P> In contrast, solicitors and attorneys work directly with the clients and are responsible for engaging a barrister with the appropriate expertise for the case . Barristers generally have little or no direct contact with their' lay clients', particularly without the presence or involvement of the solicitor . All correspondence, inquiries, invoices, and so on, will be addressed to the solicitor, who is primarily responsible for the barrister's fees . </P>

In scottish law the usual word for barrister