Nature of the Work
The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society, especially here in the United States. Attorneys form the backbone of this essential legal system and link it to society in a number of different ways. For this reason, lawyers hold positions of enormous responsibility in our society and should, therefore, adhere to a strict code of ethics.
The law is a mostly theoretical and abstract discipline. Working as an attorney is the practical application of legal theory and knowledge to solve real problems being faced by members of society. In some cases, a lawyer’s knowledge is used to advance the individual interests of the person or special interest group who has retained his legal services. Since the role of a lawyer can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another, their work and role in society is often referred to in a very general manner.
Attorneys act as both advocates and advisors to our society. As advocates, they represent one of the opposing parties in a criminal or civil court proceeding, arguing in court and presenting evidence in support of their clients. As advisors, attorneys counsel their clients regarding their legal rights and obligations in all types of situations and give suggestions as to the appropriate actions the clients should take in these situations.
Legal advice is the application of legal principles to the concrete facts of a client’s individual case and then advising the client about his or her options regarding what to do next. In most countries, only a licensed attorney can give legal advice to individuals for good consideration, even if there is no lawsuit currently in progress. Violating this standard is sometimes considered a criminal offense for the unauthorized practice of law.
The particulars of a lawyer’s role depend upon his specific area of specialization within the legal field. Although all lawyers in the United States are licensed to represent their clients in court, some lawyers are seen in court more often than others.
Attorneys specialize in a number of areas, such as bankruptcy, criminal, probate, elder, or international law, just to name a few. Lawyers who specialize in environmental law, for example, might represent special interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction companies in their dealings with the Environmental Protection Agency and other government bodies.
Most lawyers are in private practice and specialize in some area of criminal or civil law. Criminal lawyers are expected to represent individuals who have been charged with a criminal violation of their jurisdiction’s legal statutes. Attorneys who deal with civil matters assist their clients with litigation, wills, trusts, contracts, mortgages, titles, and leases-again, that is just to name a few. Other lawyers might only handle cases of public interest – criminal or civil – which may have an impact that extends far beyond the individual client.
A small percentage of attorneys are employed full time by only one client. Typically this client is a corporation or other large entity, and the lawyer is referred to as the “in-house counsel” and advises the company concerning business-related legal issues.
A significant number of attorneys are employed at various levels by the state and federal government. Lawyers who work for the state Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, public defense attorneys, and courts play an undeniable role in the criminal justice system. At the federal level, lawyers investigate cases for the United States Department of Justice and other agencies. Government lawyers also help develop programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, establish enforcement procedures, and argue civil and criminal cases on behalf of the government.
Lawyers perform most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. Occasionally an attorney might meet a client at home or place of business, at the hospital, or in prison, if the circumstances dictate such a need. They may also travel to attend various meetings, gather evidence, and make court appearances.