Lawyers
Once fully trained in matters of the law and legal system, a person is called a lawyer; also known by the names, attorney or advocate, their role varies depending on the situation. In both criminal and civil trials, the lawyer acting on behalf of clients in court is called their advocate; this arena where law is practiced is not one that suits everyone and many never step foot into a courtroom. When employed to provide advice on the law they are known as legal advisors; they counsel their clients concerning their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters.
A lawyer who primarily spends time in court is called a trial lawyer; this is an area that requires the advocate to be quick thinking and a competent speaker.Trial lawyers are extremely competent individuals who are just as proficient outside the courtroom; they investigate the case they are representing, talk to witnesses and arranging evidence, for example.
The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society; this is why lawyers have their own set of laws they must abide, to be above reproach. Owing to the nature of specialization with legal representatives, they may never actually attend court; although they are licensed to represent their clients there.
For almost every area of society there is a specialist branch of the legal system; more exist so not all are listed here:
*Bankruptcy *Health Issues *Environmental Issues *Marine Law *Identification Theft
The number of specialist areas of law is also the reason why only a few ever practice in a courtroom!
Representing environmental issues can mean they may work for the government or private companies; an example of this group could be:
*Public-Interest Groups *U.S. Environmental Protection Agency *Airports
Often this work will be mundane as it involves planning applications and licenses for example; however, they also protect companies where claims for damages are being sought.
Of course one of the cleaner areas that attorneys are involved with is intellectual property rights; it covers digital images, songs and videos; in fact anything that is available on the internet. Legal departments within insurance companies also employ specialist lawyers; insurance terms and conditions often change to protect the company from fraudulent claims but they can also be useful performing insurance investigations.
Despite these different areas of legislature, most attorneys will practice in the field of either criminal or civil law; criminal lawyers try cases or defend the accused party; civil law uses their talents to argue in a civil court over claims, mortgages and other types of litigation.
Some handle only public interest cases both civil and criminal; these can include law suits and legal representation that affects the general public for instance. Still other lawyers use their skills working for non-profit organizations and other charitable bodies; the work involved might mean providing legal assistance or representation to people who are not in a position to help themselves.