Lawyers, Solicitors, Barristers, Counsel, Queens Counsel, Senior Counsel, Magistrates and Judges.

All of the above are Lawyers as they work in law.

Solicitors are able to engage in mixed legal practice offering a range of services. They can appear in most Courts for most matters, own a law firm and they are able to conduct almost all legal services depending on their expertise. 

Barristers can only work for themselves. They spend most of their time in Court and become specialists with court work, usually taking on more serious matters. Barristers can take clients directly however most Barristers are engaged by solicitors who have interviewed the client and assessed their particular case. This gives the client a significant edge because it allows them to put their best foot forward when dealing with their Barrister. 

Counsel is an interchangeable word for Barrister.

Senior Counsel also known as SC is a title applied for when a Barrister believes they have reached the top of their profession. The applications are assessed and only a small amount are accepted.

Queens Counsel also known as QC is the formerly awarded SC title and some QC Barristers are still practicing in Australia.  Both SC and QC titles are also known as silk or silks. 

A Senior Junior Barrister is a very experienced Barrister that has not obtained and SC title. This may be because they have never applied for the title which is most likely, or because their application has not been accepted among the very competitive applicants and political nature of the legal profession. 

The difference in skill level between an SC and a Senior Junior Barrister can vary either way, with the SC title being a politically higher position but not an absolute guarantee of greater legal skill than a Senior Junior Barrister. However, the title of SC and QC are a great mark of respect in the legal community and respect goes a long way. 

I once asked an SC who he thought the best Barrister in the country was, and he replied;

"The one who knows his brief back to front." 

In other words; the lawyer who cares the most and puts the most time into understanding the legal issues and facts surrounding your case, is likely to be the best lawyer on the day. 

These rankings of seniority do generally align with greater fees.

Most Solicitors charge between $500 and $3000 per day. 

Junior Barristers charge about $500 - $2000 per day,

Some Senior Juniors charge $2000 - $4000 per day. 

SC and QC Barristers are known to charge up to and in excess of $8000 per day. 

Your Solicitor can engage any Barrister. However it is best of your Solicitor has a working relationship with a range of Barristers.  This way your Solicitor will be able to give you options and can aid you in selecting the highest skilled barrister for the rate you can afford.

If you are interested in engaging counsel for your legal matter I have working relationships with several Barristers and can negotiate daily rates for you ranging from $1000 to $5000+ per day. 

Magistrates are the decision makers presiding in the Local Court. 

Judges are the decision makers presiding in the District, Supreme and High Court. 

You should address Magistrates and Judges as "Your Honour" and follow their directions in a respectful way to help the court progress and to best position yourself for a favourable outcome.