The French solicitor was released.. (3,3)
I believe the answer is:
let out
'released' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'the french solicitor' is the wordplay.
'the french' becomes 'le' ('the' in French).
'solicitor' becomes 'tout' (someone who solicits business).
'le'+'tout'='LET-OUT'
'was' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for let out that I've seen before include "Release from custody or enlarge garment" , "released from prison" , "A chance to escape a difficult situation" , "Release from prison or loosen garment" , "available for rent?" .)