How Barristers Can Lighten the Load When Solicitors Are Drowning in Paperwork

I often hear from solicitors that one of the hardest parts of practice is the sheer volume of paperwork. Affidavits, chronologies, outlines of argument, submissions - all of it has to be prepared on time, often under pressure, and while juggling multiple client demands. It’s no surprise that sometimes it feels like the paperwork is never-ending.

Another reality I see is that solicitors - particularly sole practitioners and those in smaller firms - sometimes have to turn down work simply because they don’t have the resources to take on another demanding matter at the time. That’s frustrating, both professionally and financially. Having the option to call on counsel for drafting and preparation support can make it possible to take on those cases without burning out or overcommitting.

As a barrister, I see one of my roles as helping to ease that burden. My job isn’t just to appear in court - it’s also to step in and support solicitors when the workload becomes overwhelming.

Drafting Under Pressure: Why It’s Sometimes Smarter to Hand It Over

I know many solicitors pride themselves on being able to manage everything, but there are times when handing over the drafting to counsel isn’t just a relief - it’s the smarter move.

Here’s why:

• Fresh perspective: Barristers are used to distilling issues into the points that will matter most to the court. We can cut through the noise and produce concise, targeted documents.

• Time savings: While you focus on managing clients, evidence gathering, and the day-to-day progress of the file, I can prepare the affidavit, outline, or submissions that would otherwise consume your weekend.

• Consistency of advocacy: When I draft the material I’ll later rely on in court, it ensures the written and oral advocacy are aligned, giving your client’s case a stronger voice.

A Collaborative Approach

I don’t see drafting work as “taking over” the solicitor’s role — far from it. It’s about collaboration. You know your client best, and you carry the file. I bring the perspective of how the court is likely to engage with the material. Together, we can produce work that’s sharper, quicker, and more persuasive.

Lightening the Load is Important

We all know the legal profession can be unforgiving when it comes to deadlines and paperwork. Having the option to call on counsel for support - whether it’s drafting submissions, settling affidavits, or preparing a chronology - can make the difference between a sleepless night and a manageable workload.

For me, the solicitor-barrister relationship works best when it’s genuinely supportive. If that means picking up some of the paperwork when the pressure is on, I’m glad to be able to help. After all, when the load is lighter, solicitors can focus on what they do best: managing clients and progressing cases.

A Note to Sole Practitioners

I have a particular respect for sole practitioners, who often carry the weight of every aspect of a matter on their own shoulders. I know that resources are limited, deadlines are tight, and there’s no team to share the load. That’s where I see real value in the solicitor-barrister relationship: you don’t have to do it all alone. Having a barrister you can rely on to step in with drafting, strategy, or advocacy support means you can take on the work you want to without feeling like you’re stretched to breaking point. For me, being that extra layer of support is not just part of my practice - it’s something I genuinely value.

Final Thoughts

The solicitor–barrister relationship works best when it is more than a one-off transaction - it should be a partnership built on trust, support, and a shared commitment to the client’s best interests. I see my role as not only an advocate in court but also a practical ally when workloads are heavy and time is scarce. By working together, we can ensure that clients receive the highest standard of advocacy while also making the profession more sustainable for those of us who work within it.