Lawyers
A lawyer is someone trained in aspects of law and the legal system usually providing legal advice; they can also be called attorneys and act as both advocates and advisors in American society. In criminal or civil trials in court, the lawyer representing the client is then called an advocate; although once qualified they can all appear in court, as a percentage, not many decide to pursue this area of law. When acting as a legal advisor, their responsibility is to provide legal guidance; clients use them for suggestions on available courses of action relating to legal issues which affect them.
Trial lawyers have greater familiarity with courtroom rules and strategy; it requires a more confident type of personality, someone who is quick thinking.Much of a trial lawyer’s work is actually performed outside the courtroom environment; they investigate the case they are representing, talk to witnesses and arranging evidence, for example.
It is difficult to get away from the law in any of its aspects; this is why lawyers are held in high regard but they must live up to this by living and working by a strict code of ethics. Some areas of law are so highly specialized that legal representatives may never have to appear in a courtroom; although they are all licensed too represent in court when required.
Today’s life and law is becoming ever more complex creating new subject areas for the legal system to practice in; for example:
*Constitutional Law *Aviation Law *Contract Law *Personal Injury *Company Law
The number of specialist areas of law is also the reason why only a few ever practice in a courtroom!
Environmental law for instance employs experts who will represent private, government and individuals; a few examples are listed here:
*Public-Interest Groups *Federal Agencies *Large Corporations
It is not all glamour though as much of the work involves resolving land disputes, planning licenses and land administration; although they may also be called upon to challenge or defend other civil actions.
A growth area for attorneys in recent years is that of intellectual property rights; an area that has increased owing to the use of digital products; music and video for example. Lawyers who have decided to become experts in Insurance Law are often used by insurance companies in a permanent capacity; writing insurance policies, investigating claims protecting company assets are just a few areas where their knowledge is useful.
Despite these different areas of legislature, most attorneys will practice in the field of either criminal or civil law; persons charged with crimes are represented by criminal lawyers on both sides one for the defense and one for the prosecution; civil law uses their talents to argue in a civil court over claims, mortgages and other types of litigation.
Another high profile legal position is in cases where the public interest is served; this can be where a large company or government body may be involved with actions that have affected the general public. Lastly, there are lawyers who work for legal-aid societies and nonprofit organizations; these attempt to serve disadvantaged people wherever they are from often oppressive governments and companies.