Lawyers

The legal system has an effect on every phase of our society, from planning your future to driving a car. Lawyers are the middle men between society and the law, obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Lawyers or attorneys are both supporters and mentors in our society. As a supporter, they represent a client by presenting evidence and arguing their case in court. As a mentor, they consult with their client about the laws pertaining to their case and suggest which course of action that should be taken. All lawyers research the intent of laws, judicial decisions and apply them to the specific facts faced by their client.

A lawyers field of specialization and experience will depend on how detailed he will be when he goes to trial. Even though all lawyers are licensed, a trial lawyer has more familiarity with the court system. They can think quickly while speaking clearly and display authority. Still trial lawyers spend a lot of their time outside of courtroom; researching, interviewing witnesses and handling all the details to prepare for trial.

Some specialized areas of expertise are; bankruptcy, criminal, probate or environmental law. Other lawyers may help prepare applications and forms like trusts, wills, estate planning, copywriting, product designs and powers of attorney for the general public. While corporate or business lawyers work for a single client (house council) and give advice and guide in writing insurance policies to adhere to state and federal laws and protect the company from unwarranted claims while representing them in court. They specialize in the laws related to the company’s business activities; patents, government regulations, contracts, property interest and unions agreements.

Lawyers may also be employed by the State or county governments as states attorneys, prosecutors and public defenders in criminal courts. Federal attorneys investigate cases for the US Department of Justice. Also government lawyers help develop programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, enforce procedures and argue civil and criminal cases on behalf of the government.

Other lawyers work for legal aid societies—private, nonprofit organizations established to serve disadvantaged people. These lawyers generally handle civil, rather than criminal, cases.

The formal requirements to become a lawyer include a four year college degree, three years of law school and passing the bar exam. Depending on the future lawyers desired practice other requirements may be required by the State or Federal court. Lawyers must excel in writing, speaking, reading, researching, analyzing and thinking logically to succeed in their profession. Also, for example, if a lawyer wants to specialize as a tax attorney he must also have extensive knowledge in accounting and tax laws.

The first year of law school the student usually studies constitutional law, contract, property law, torts, civil procedure and legal writing. They may take courses related to their area of interest such as tax, labor or corporate law. School sponsored legal clinics are available having spurious court cases, court competitions and practice trials under the supervision of experienced lawyers and judges. Other students work in law firms to gain experience and such training may lead to a job after graduation.

If a lawyer plans to specialize, research or teach, advanced law degrees may be pursued or a joint degree program which requires an additional semester or year of study. Joint degree programs are offered in a number of areas, including business administration or public administration. Even after graduation, lawyers need to take continuing legal education to keep up with legal and non-legal changes that concern their practice. This is not unusual other professions such as medical related jobs and insurance agents also need to take continued education classes.

To practice law a graduate must be licensed or admitted to its bar. All states require the applicant to pass a written bar exam and some states a separate written ethics exam.

The practice of law involves a lot of responsibility and to win the respect and confidence of their clients, associates and the public. Lawyers start out as salaried employees as they gain experience they may become a partner in their firm. Some lawyers run for and are elected with judgeships. Others may become law school faculty or administrators, while corporate lawyers may rise in the ranks of management.

If you need to find a lawyer today make sure he/she has the qualifications, experience and is specialized.