Yes to both parts of question.
In my time I have conducted many Circuit Court cases without a barrister in an area of law in which I specialised.
However for a number of reasons many solicitors consult a barrister. These include
1. Pressure of work
2. to make sure the pleadings cover the facts as instructed.
3. Most Circuit Court judges are former barristers, only a minority are former solicitors - solicitor for that and other reasons may think it better to brief a barrister.
Litigation is an uncertain art - the only certainties being that it is expensive, time consuming and stressful if parties are personally involved. If a solicitor advises consulting a barrister client should accept such advice.