Lawyers advise individuals, businesses,
and government agencies
on legal issues and disputes,
and represent them in court
and legal transactions.
Also called attorneys,
lawyers inform their clients
about their legal rights and obligations,
and help steer them
through the complexities of the law.
They also advocate for their clients in court
by presenting evidence
and making legal arguments.
Lawyers conduct research
and prepare documents,
such as lawsuits, wills, and contracts.
They also oversee the work of paralegals
and legal secretaries.
Lawyers work for law firms,
governments, and corporations.
In government, prosecutors are the attorneys
who file charges against those
accused of violating the law,
while public defenders represent
individuals who cannot afford
to pay an attorney.
Lawyers who work in law firms
often start as associates,
and may advance to partnership,
or part owner, in their firm.
Those who do not make partner
after several years may be forced to leave,
a practice known as “up or out.”
Lawyers may specialize in a subject area,
such as environmental law, tax,
intellectual property, or family law.
Most lawyers work in offices,
and travel to visit clients
or represent their clients in court.
They generally keep full-time hours,
and overtime is common.
Attorneys may face heavy pressure at times—
for example, during trials
or when trying to meet deadlines.
It usually takes three years of law school
after college to become a lawyer.
All states require lawyers
to pass licensing tests
called “bar exams” to practice law.
Prior felony convictions
may disqualify candidates from practicing law.