If you’ve ever Googled “business lawyer Vancouver” and ended up on a law firm’s website that couldn’t actually help with your contract or transaction, you’re not alone. In British Columbia, the legal profession includes many overlapping terms—lawyer, barrister, solicitor, litigator—and it can be confusing to know who to contact for your specific legal issue.
This article clears things up. Whether you’re starting a business, buying property, or involved in a dispute, understanding the difference between solicitor and litigation services can save you time and get you to the right help faster.
What’s the difference between a solicitor and a litigator?
In Canada (and BC specifically), all lawyers are licensed through the Law Society of their province, and most are qualified to provide both litigation and solicitor services. But in practice, many lawyers and firms specialize in one or the other.
Solicitor work includes:
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Drafting contracts and agreements
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Business incorporations
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Shareholder agreements
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Real estate conveyancing
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Commercial lease reviews
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Wills and estates
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Regulatory filings
Solicitors handle non-contentious legal matters. If you’re buying a business, negotiating a contract, or seeking help with corporate structuring, you’re looking for a solicitor—someone who prepares documents, offers legal advice, and helps you avoid legal issues.
Litigator work includes:
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Representing you in court
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Managing legal disputes
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Handling trial strategy and evidence
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Filing or defending lawsuits
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Enforcing or challenging contracts
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Dealing with construction, real property, or injury claims
Litigators step in when a dispute has already happened—when someone has been wronged, negotiations have broken down, or legal action is underway. This is the focus of firms like McKechnie & Company, who exclusively handle litigation and trial matters.
Common scenarios and who you need
| Legal Issue | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Buying or selling a business | Solicitor |
| Drafting a commercial contract | Solicitor |
| Reviewing a shareholder agreement | Solicitor |
| Unpaid invoice or breach of contract | Litigator |
| Construction lien dispute | Litigator |
| Real estate litigation (boundary dispute, easement) | Litigator |
| Personal injury or ICBC claim | Litigator |
| Buying or selling property (conveyancing) | Solicitor |
| Estate planning or probate | Solicitor |
Why it matters
If you call a litigation-only firm for a business contract, they won’t be able to help. And if you bring a complex legal dispute to a solicitor-focused firm, they may refer you out for court representation.
Knowing the distinction helps you:
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Get faster support
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Avoid unnecessary referrals
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Save money by choosing the right lawyer from the start
What McKechnie & Company does
McKechnie & Company is a litigation-only firm based in Vancouver. We focus exclusively on resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, or trial. Our practice areas include:
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Real property disputes
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Construction and builders lien litigation
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Debt collection and creditor claims
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Motor vehicle and personal injury claims
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Commercial and business litigation
We do not provide solicitor services such as drafting contracts, real estate conveyancing, incorporations, or wills.
How to find the right solicitor
If you’re looking for solicitor services in BC, search terms like these can help:
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Business lawyer Vancouver
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Corporate solicitor BC
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Real estate lawyer notary
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Commercial contract lawyer
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Wills and estates lawyer Vancouver
You may also want to consult a local business law firm or use the Law Society of BC’s lawyer directory to search by practice area.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right legal professional isn’t just about credentials—it’s about specialization. If your legal issue involves drafting agreements or managing a transaction, a solicitor is the right choice. If you’re facing a dispute or court case, you need a litigator.
Still unsure? It’s perfectly okay to call and ask. A reputable firm will let you know quickly if they’re the right fit—or help point you in the right direction.