BRIEF. This is the name for the pack of papers that a solicitor will prepare and send to a barrister before a court hearing.
‘Brief’ comes from ‘briefing’ as opposed to the Calvin Klein underwear type of brief.
Solicitors and barristers do often different jobs in the context of a case. The solicitor will be gathering information and evidence, collating papers, and guiding the progression of the case. A barrister spends more of their time as an advocate – speaking in court and presenting the case. Where does the barrister get the information about the case? From the solicitor. In a pack of papers – and that is the brief.
The solicitor will also prepare a bundle of papers for the court prior to the hearing in a prescribed format. There are also other documents that need to be drawn up to help the court make the most of the court hearing. Each court hearing is for a limited time so you want to do the best set of papers to help a busy judge.
Solicitors can and do go to court as advocates. It depends often on the solicitor, the client, the case, the purpose of the hearing and the timing of the hearing. Even if they do not go to speak at a hearing, solicitors often go to hear what the barrister says on behalf of their client and importantly, what the judge says.
If you need help with dealing with a court case or court hearing, contact me. I can help.