Attorney

Attorneys, more commonly known as lawyers, serve as the official and expert advocates and advisors in society. As advocates, they take on clients and represent parties in criminal and civil trials. They present evidence and argue in court on behalf of single individuals or whole companies. As advisors, attorneys counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations, often suggesting particular courses of action in business and also in personal matters. Whether acting as an advocate or advisor, the responsibilities of all attorneys are to research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances or lawsuits faced by their clients, providing expert counsel and guidance. The more detailed aspects of a lawyer's job depend upon his or her field of specialization and position. Lawyers may specialize in a number of specific areas: bankruptcy, probate, international, elder, or environmental law. Most of the work of a lawyer is done outside the courtroom. Although all lawyers must be licensed and qualified to represent parties in court, some attorneys appear in court more often than others. These are known as trial lawyers, who specialize in trial work. Even trial lawyers will spend the majority of their time outside the courtroom. The time it takes to conduct research, interview clients and witnesses, and handle the other details to prepare for a trial is usually quite extensive.