Quick Facts
A lawyer gives legal advice to people, government agencies, and businesses and offer representation to them when needed. They prepare legal documents and interpret laws, regulations, and rulings.
How to Become a Lawyer
A lawyer spends an average of 7 years in college. This breaks down into 4 years of undergraduate school and 3 years more of law school. A bachelor’s degree is required to enter law school with preferable courses in English, public speaking, government, history, economics, and math. Most law schools require an applicant to take a Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). To finally become a lawyer, most states and jurisdictions want a Juris Doctor (J.D.) law degree, and then you must pass the bar exam.
Job Description of a Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in civil or criminal trial and present evidence for their defense. They also advise their clients on their legal rights or obligations and counsel them on the best way to proceed according to their legal circumstances. A lawyer conducts research on legal issues and is qualified to interpret laws, regulations, and rulings. They draw up legal documents like wills, deeds, contracts, lawsuits, and appeals. They may also oversee legal assistants or paralegals.
A lawyer can specialize in many different areas of this profession. For instance, they may choose to specialize in a certain area of law such as criminal law, defense, prosecution, tax, or environmental law. Lawyers mostly work indoors and in office buildings, however some travel may be required when meeting with clients or attending court hearings.
Lawyer Career Video Transcript
Lawyers advise individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes, and represent them in court and legal transactions. Also called attorneys, lawyers inform their clients about their legal rights and obligations, and help steer them through the complexities of the law. They also advocate for their clients in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments. Lawyers conduct research and prepare documents, such as lawsuits, wills, and contracts. They also oversee the work of paralegals and legal secretaries.
Lawyers work for law firms, governments, and corporations. In government, prosecutors are the attorneys who file charges against those accused of violating the law. Public defenders represent individuals who cannot afford to pay an attorney. Lawyers who work in law firms often start as associates and may advance to the partnership or part-owner in their firm. Those who do not make partner after several years may be forced to leave, a practice known as “up or out.”
Lawyers may specialize in a subject area, such as environmental law, tax, intellectual property, or family law. Most lawyers work in offices, and travel to visit clients or represent their clients in court. They generally keep full-time hours, and overtime is common. Attorneys may face heavy pressure at times. For example, during trials or when trying to meet deadlines. It usually takes three years of law school after college to become a lawyer. All states require lawyers to pass licensing tests called “bar exams” to practice law. Prior felony convictions may disqualify candidates from practicing law.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Lawyers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 23-1011.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
Typical Tasks & Responsibilities
- Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
- Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
- Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
- Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
- Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
- Supervise legal assistants.
- Negotiate contractual agreements.
- Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.
- Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
- Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
- Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
- Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates.
- Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
- Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals.
- Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures.